Rnnk . E S 8
^^' THE
ENTOMOLOGIST'S
\^
MONTHLY MAGAZINE:^
CONDUCTED BY
O. C. CHAMPION, F.Z.S. J. E. COLLIN, F.E.S.
W. W. FOWLEE, D.Sc, M.A., F.L.S.
R. W. LLOYD, F.E.S. G. T. PORRITT, F.L.S.
J. J. WALKER. M.A., R.N., F.L.S.
LORD WALSINGHAM, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., &c.
SECOND SERIES— VOL. XXII
[VOL. XLVI I.]
" I venture to think the evidence now brought forward, however
imperfectly, is at least sufficient to justify the conclusion that there
is not a hair or a line, not a spot or a coloiir, for which there is not
a reason — which has not a purpose or a meaning in the economy of
Nature " — Lord Avebury.
LONDON:
GURNET & JACKSON (Mr. Van Voorst's Successors),
10, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1911.
QL4G
LONDON :
A. NAPIER, PRINTER, SEYMOUR STREET, EUSTON SQUARE, N.W.
1911.
^
Contributors ....
GBNKRAr, Index .
Special Index —
Coleoptem ....
Diptera
Hemipteia ....
Ilynieuopteia
Lepidopteia....
INDEX.
Spkciai, Indkx (coHlinued) — pagr
Nemopteia and Tricboptera xiii
Orthoptcra xiii
Siphonaptera xiii
Thy.sanoptera xiii
Genera and Species new to Britain ... xiv
,, ,, „ ,, ,, Science ... xvii
Erkata xviii
Explanation of Plates xviii
INDEX TO CONTRIBUTORS.
PAGE
93
.49, 192
236
236
54
.. . 63
60
153
.23, 203
Adams, F. C, F.Z.S
Alderson, E. Maude, F.E.S....
Ashby, A
Asprey, G. A.
Atmore, B. A., F.E.S
Austen, E. E
Bagnall, R. S., F.L.S
Balfour-Browne, F., F.Z.S. ...
Bankes, E. R., M.A., F.E.S.
Barnard, K. H 43, 76
Bayt'ord, E. G 157
Beare, T. Hudson, B.Sc, F.R.S.E.,
F.E.S 139, 140, 235
Bethune-Baker, G. T., F.L.S 98
Blenkarn, S. A., F.E.S 160
Bloomfield, Rev. E. N., M.A., F.E.S... 94
Britten, H., F.E.S 89
Brown, G. A 68
Bruuetti, E 193
Burr, M., D.Sc, F.L.S 225
Butler, E. A., B.A., B.Sc., F.E.S. ...36, 134
Cameron, M., M.B., R.N., F.E.S Ill,
214, 223
Carter, A. E. J 69, 83, 161
Champion, G. C, F.Z.S., A.L.S....17, 138,
214, 219 258, 259, 276
Champion, H. G 41
Collin, J. E., F.E.S 145, 182, 229, 253
Collins, J 16, 248, 276, 278
de la Garde, P., R.N., F.E.S 66
Donisthorpe, H. St. J., F.Z.S. ...43, 67, 256
Dunlop, G. A. 41
Durraut, J. H., F.E.S 84, 261
Edelsten, H M., F.E.S 2116
Edwards, .1., F.E.S 1, 41, 208
Elliott, E. A., F.E.S 93
Evans, W 43, 90
Gardner, J., F.E.S Ill, 192
Green, E. E., F.E.S 179
Hamm, A. H 161
Jennings, F. B., F.E.S 276
Joy, N. H., M.R.C.S., F.E.S 10,65,80
110, 111, 132, 166, 269, 276
Keys, J. H., F.E.S 15, 128
Lamb, C. G 215
Longstaff, G. B., M.A., M.D.,
F.R.C.P....119, 194
Lucas, W. J., B.A., F.E.S 135
Mausbridge, W., F.E.S 20, 44, 73, 95,
115, 141, 161
Marshall, G. A. K., F.Z.S 207
Mathew, G. F., R.N. , F.L.S 235
Meyrick, E., B.A., F.R.S 82, 212, 226
Mills, H. 0 90
Morice, Rev. F. D., M.A.,
Pres. E. S. .103, 227
Morley, Claude, F.Z.S 19, 213
Morton, K. J., F.E.S 19, 112
Nevinsou, E. B., F.E.S 236
Pilcher, C. W., B.A., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P.... 192
Porritt, G. T., F.L.S. 19, 112, 192, 203, 279
Rollasou, W. A., F.E.S 90
Rothschild, Hon. N. C, M.A., F.L.S... 68
113, 141, 234
Rowlaiid-Rrown, H., M.A., F.E.S 22
47, 74
Saunders, H. A., B. A., F.E.S 94
Sharp, D., M.A., F.R.S. ...
Sharp, AV. E., F.E.S
Shelford, R., M.A., F.L.S.
31, 34,
57, 227, 257
191, 274
154
PAGE
Sherboin, C. DavJes 84
Sich, A., F.E.S 18, 277
Steuton, E., F.E.S 68
Sweetiug, H. R 20, 44, 73,
95, 115, 141, 161
Thurnall, A 260
Touiliu, J. R. le B., M.A., F.K.S 241
271, 274
Turner, H. J., F.E.S 21, 45, 95, 115,
142, 218, 237, 2(55, 281
PAGE
Verrall, G. H., F.E.S. 79
Wiiiuwright, C. J., F.E.S 107
Walker, J. J., M.A., R.N., F.L.S HI,
140, 160, 191, 192, 217, 259
Walsiugham, Rt. Hou. Lord, M.A.,
LL.D., F.R.S 12, 187, 212
Waterston, Rev. J 217, 236
Wheeler, Rev. G., M.A., F.E.S. ...97, 116,
143, 162, 238, 266, 282
White, J. E. Eales 260
Wood, J. H., M.B 40, 69
GENERAL INDEX
Additions and Corrections to the Britisli List of Miiscidse Acalyptrataj...
145, 182, 229, 253
African Entomological Research Committee, The ... ... ... ... 86
Aleochara discipennis, Mills., in the New Forest ... ... ... ... 214
Algerian Micro-Lepidoptera ... ... ... ... ... ... 12, 187
Ancylus-like Mycetophilid larvae in Epping Forest ... ... ... ... 43
Anisotoma davidiana, Joy, not synonymous with A. dubia var. bicolor,
Schaum ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 66
Antennal teratology, A case of, in the Diptera ... ... ... ... 216
Anthomyia, A new species of, A. bifasciata ... ... ... ... ... 40
Aphiochffita, Is leaf -mining one of the larval habits of ... ... ... 69
Argyresthia decimella, Stainton, Note on ... ... ... ... ... 236
Atheta liliputana, Bris., in Britain ; picipennis, Mann., in the New Forest 214
Baris, On a new species of, from the Sudan ... ... ... ... ... 207
Barypithes duplicatus, n. sp., and notes on other species of the genus
(with a Plate), 128 ; pellucidus, Boh., in the Oxford district ... ... 160
Beetle, Description of a new Staphylinid ... ... ... ... ... 227
Beetles and other Insects, Electric light as an attraction for ... ... 157
Berisal, A week's collecting at ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 98
Blattidaj, Preliminary diagnoses of some new genera of ... ... ... 154
Bledius annai, &c., Further records of, 65 ; crassicollis, Lac, at Wicken
Fen, 235 ; fracticornis and its British allies, 57 ; hinnulus, Er. (or
diota, Schiodte), in Britain, 34 ; jjallipes and its allies in Britain ... 31
Bryaxis impressa, Panz., An unrecorded variety of ... ... ... ... 276
Carabus violaceus. Caustic fluid of ... ... ... ... ... ... 213
Cassida nobilis, L., in Dumbartonshire ... ... ... ... ... ... 90
Ceratophyllus silantiewi, Wagner, a " plague flea " ... ... ... ... 141
Ceropales variegatus. Fab., in the New Forest... ... ... ... ... 236
Ceuthorrhynchus marginatus, Payk., and some allied species. On ... ... 208
Chilosia, Tavo new species of the genus... ... ... ... ... ... 107
Chironomid larvaj and Water-snails ... ... ... ... ... ... 76
Chrysopa dorsalis, Burm., Notes on (with coloured Plate), 49; fiu'ther
notes on ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 54
Cicada, Notes on the habits of an Algerian (Melampsalta cantans. P.) ... 259
PAGE
Coccid new to Great Britain, On a, with notes on allied species 179
Coleoptera, carrion-feeding, A preliminary note on the so-called, 87 ; at
Cheltenham, 66 ; in Devonshire, 66 ; in Herefordshire (iv), 271 ; new
to Science, Two species of, 10, 269 ; in the Plymouth district, 15 ; Isle
of Wight and Woolwich lists of. Additions to, 160 ; from underground
wasps' nests ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... • • • ^9
Colias hyale in Oxfordshire ... ... ... ... ... ... ••■ 217
Collections of the late Mr. Edward Saunders, F.R.S 64
Colon microps, Czwal., Re-captiu-e of ... ... ... ... ... ••• 65
Crambiis, A new, from New Zealand ... ... ... ... ... ••• 82
Criocephalus feriis, Muls., near Guildford ... ... ... ... ... 214
Cryptophagvis fowleri, Joy, from France, 16 ; at Oxford ... ... ... 16
Ctenophora flaveolata, F., Captiu-e of ... ... ... ... ... ••• 236
Cui-tis, John," British Entomology," Note on, 1824-1839, 1829-1839, and 1862 84
Dale Collection, British Orthoptera in the, (I), Earwigs, Cockroaches, and
Crickets... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .•• 135
Deilephila galii. Capture of, at Boston, Lines.... ... ... ... ... 192
Dermaptera, Our British (with coloiu'ed Plate) ... ... ... ... 225
Dioryctra abietella. Fab., and D. splendidella, H.-S., Notes on the life-
history of ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23
Diptera, A case of antennal teratology in the, 216 ; another huiidred new
British species of, 79 ; in Perthshire ... ... . ». ... . . • 69
Dragon-flies breeding in rain-water collected at the leaf -bases of Bromeliads 17
Dysmachus, Kirsch, and Irenarclms, Pascoe, Note on the Hylobiid genera 276
Electric light as an attraction for Beetles and other Insects ... ... 157
EUampus truncatus, Dhb., in the London district ... ... ... ... 68
Entomological Work in India ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 193
Epicypta and Phronia, Species of, bred... ... ... ... ... ... 94
Epipeda nigricans ; a cori-ection . . . ... ... ... ... ... ••• 111
Erebia ajthiops, Esp., Satyrus semele, L., and Pararge megara, L., New
Scottish forms of ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 277
Eristalis seneus. Scop., The habitat of, 215 ; oestraceus, L., On the occur-
rence in North America of the Eiiropean... ... ... ... ... 63
Gabrius, A note on Dr. Sharp's new species of 80
Galeruca tanaceti, L., Note on the forms of, occurring in Britain ... ... 258
Gastrodes abietis, L., in the New Forest ... ... ... ... ... 161
Gnorimus nobilis, L., &c., in Epping Forest ... ... ... ... ... 276
Gracilaria syringella, F., mining in Phillyrea media, L. ... ... ... 277
Gracilariads, Some Indian ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 212
HjBmonia appendiculata, Panz., Notes on the early stages of ... ... 248
Halesus guttatipennis, Mc L., Note on, 19; in Scotland in October ... 43
Haliplus, Latreille, A revision of the British species of, 1 ; a correction, 41 ;
a new British ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 153
Halonota turbidana, Tr., bred, 192 ; Note on the larva of ... ... ... Ill
Helophorus tuberciilatus, Gyll., near Coatbridge, N.B. ... ... ... 168
Help-notes towards the determination of the British Tenthredinidse,
etc. (28) 103
Hemiptera in Surrey and Dorsetshire, 94 ; Notes on Oxford ... ... 278
Hilara acronetha, Mik : A Dipteron new to the British list ... ... 83
Homalota basicoruis, Mvils. : synonymical note, 257 ; picipennis, Mannh.,
in Bucks 191
Hornia, Riley, Note on the Meloid genus, and its allies ... ... ... 17
Hybos culiciformis. Fab., in Scotland ... ... ... ... ... ... 161
Hymenoptera Aculeata in Cornwall in 1910, 90 ; Parasitica, some, from
the Highlands 93
Ichneumonida3, Irish, A few more ... ... ... ... ... ... 19
Insects, Some interesting British (4), (with coloured Plate) ... ... 203
Is leaf -mining one of the larval habits of Aphiochaeta ? ... ... ... 69
Isle of Sheppey, Immigrant insects in tlie, 160 ; Notes from the ... ... 191
Killing of flies, bees, &c., by wasps. On the ... ... ... ... ... 260
Larvie, Ancylus-like Mycetophilid in Epping Forest ... ... ... 43
Lepidoptera, Records of, from N.W. Surrey, 41 ; Supplementary broods of,
in 1911 259
Leptinus testaceus, Miill., Occurrence of, in Carnarvonshire ... ... 41
Libellula f ulva, Miill., abundant near Askern, Yorkshire ... ... ... 192
Limenitis sibylla Doiible-brooded ... ... ... ... ... ... 235
Liodes brunnea, Sturm, A note on, 276 ; brunnea, Sturm, and L. algirica.
Rye, Notes on, 256 ; Revision of the British species of Liodes, Latreille
(Anisotoma, Brit. Cat.), 166; (Anisotoma, Schmidt) similata. Rye ... 110
Longitarsus, Latr. (a genus of Coleoptera), Notes on the British species
of, 241, 274; nigerrimiis, Gfyll., Occiu-rence of, in the New Forest ... 257
Lozopera beatricella, Wlsm.. in Essex ... ... ... ... ... ... 260
Medon apicalis, Kr., &c., near Oxford ... ... ... ... ... ... 140
Microdon eggeri, Mik, in nests of Formica sanguinea, Latr.. in the
Luxemburg ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 43
Micro-Lepidoptera, Algex-ian, 12 ; 187; Spanish and Moorish ... ... 212
Miris laevigatus, L., A contribution towards the life-history of ... ... 36
Monopis weaverella, Scott .- additional specimens ... ... ... ... 18
Mycetophagiis 4-guttatus, Miill., in Scotland 68
Mycetophila ornata ? Steph., in the New Forest 93
Nanophyes gracilis, Redt., Note on the food-plant of 214
Nirmus uncinosus, N., in Shetland ... ... 236
Obituaries: — Alexander Henry Clarke, 264; Rev. Canon C. T. Cruttwell,
M.A., 114; Sir Francis Galton, D.C.L., F.R.S., 72; Albert Harrison,
F.L.S., 264; George Gerald Hodgson, 72 ; William Alfred Rollason, 141 ;
Samtiel Hubbard Scudder, Hon. F.E.S., 279 ; P. C. T. SneUen, Hon.
F.E.S., 114 ; James William Tutt, 44,71 ; George Henry Verrall (with
Portrait) 237, 262
Orthoptei'a, British, in the Dale Collection. — I ; Earwigs, Cockroaches,
and Crickets ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 135
Ova of Xanthia ocellaris taken in the field ... ... ... ... ... 90
Oxytel us saidcyi, Pand., near Portsmouth ... ... ... ... ... Ill
Plusia moneta, Fab., in Notts 192
Pyralis lienigialis, Zell., Re-occiuTence of, in the Oxford district ... ... 192
Quedius attenuatus, GylL, var. picipennis. Hear, A note on, 132 ; a new
British, 57 ; vexans, Epp,, of the British list ... ... ... ... 140
V.
PAGE
Reviews : — " A Monoo^rapli of the Anopholiiie Mosquito(^s of India," by
Drs. James and Liston. Second Edition, re-writtom and enlarged, 217 ;
" A Handbook of tlie Tsetse-Flies," by Ernest E Austen, 218 ; " The
Macro-Lepidoptera of the World," by Dr. A. Seitz. Part I: Macro-
Lepidoptera of the Paltearctic Region, 261 ; " The Genitalia of the
Groiii) Noctuidae of the Lepidoptera of the British Islands," by F. N.
Pierce, F.E.S., 278 ; " Oiir Insect Friends and Foes," by P. Martin
Duncan, F.R.P.S 278
Rhaphidia cognata, Ramb., in West Suflfolk ... ... ... ... ... 112
Rhyacionia, Hb. (Lep. Tin.), Description of two new British species of ... 2(51
Sardinia, A Trip to, in 1910 219
Saunders, Mr. Edward, F.R.S., The Collections of the late 64
Scotosia dtibitata, Linn., On the hibernation of ... ... ... ... 112
Scottish forms. New, of Erebia sethiops, Esp., Satyrus seniele, L., and
Pararge megsera, L. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 277
Societies : — Entomological Society of London, 22, 47, 74, 97, 116, 143, 162,
238, 266, 282 ; Lancashire and Chesliire Entomological Society, 20. 44,
73, 95, 115, 141 ; South London Entomological Society, 21, 45, 95, 115,
142, 161, 218, 227, 265, 281 ; Yorkshire Natvu-alists' Union, Entomo-
logical Section ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 279
Spanish and Moorish Micro-Lepidoptex'a ... ... ... ... ... 212
Staphylinidse, minute blind, Note on the methods used to obtain ... ... 138
Stenocephalus medius, M. and R., an addition to the list of British
Hemiptera ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 134
SMan, Three weeks in the 119,194
Symbiotes latus, Redt., and Plegaderus dissectus, Er., near Oxford ... Ill
Tachyporina, &c., at Nethy Bridge ... ... ... ... ... ... 139
Telephorus thoracicus, Oliv., var suturalis, Schilsky, at Gosport and
Woking 17
Tenthredinidse, British, Help-notes towards the determination of (28) 103
Thysanoptera (Tubulifera), Descriptions of three new Scandinavian ... 60
Trichonyx sulcicollis, Reich., and Amauronyx (Trichonyx) milrkeli, Aubc,
as Myrmecophilous insects ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 67
Vanessa antiopa in Kent, 236; cardui in N. Mavine, Shetland ... ... 217
Xanthia ocellaris. Ova of, taken in the field ... ... ... ... ... 90
Xenopsylla cheopis. Roths., in London, 68 ; A further note on, 113 ;
scopulifer. Roths., Notes on the occiu-rence of, in German East Africa 234
Xylophasia zollikoferi, Frr., Another, in Yorkshire ... ... ... ... 19
SPECIAL INDEX.
COLEOPTERA.
PAGE
Abraeus grauulimi 140
Acidota creuata 140
Actobius procerulus, signaticoruis 2/2
Acupalpus esiguus 66
Agaricochara la^vicollis 2"2
Aleochara brevipemiis, 272 ; discipeunis,
214; mcereus, 66; spadicea, 66;tristis 272
Allende.salazaria uymphoides 16
Amara cousularis 15
Amauronyx markeli 67
Ancyrophorus omaliuus 272
Aphodius cousputus 15
Apiou filirostre, 66 ; schouheni 15
Arena octavii 66
Aspidiphorus orbiculatns 273
Atheta liliputaua, 223; picipeuuis, 171,
214; sodalis, &c 214
Atomaria mimda 67
Baris lorata (sp. n.) 207
Barypithes duplicatus (sp. u.), 130, 160 ;
pellucidus, 131 ; pyreuwus 131
Bembidium adustum, paludosum 271
Berosus spiuosus 101
Bibloporus bicolor 273
Bledius anna- (sp.n.), 31, 65 ; crassicollis,
235 ; femoralis, 59 ; filipes (sp.n.), 32,
65; fracticoruis, 57 ; fuscipes, 33,65;
hinuulus, 34, 65 ; latior, 58 ; secer-
deudus (sp. u.), 269; terebrans, 33,
65; unicornis 65
Bolitochara lucida 272
Bryaxis impressa, unicolor (u. var.) 276
Byrr'hus fasciatus 273
Bythinus curtisi 66
Callicerus obscurus 66
Callidium violacenni 67
Carabus arvensis, 66 ; mouilis, 271 ; vio-
laceus 214
Cassida nobilis 90
Cerylou fagi, histeroides 273
Ceuthorrliyuchus marginatus, 210 ; mol-
leri, 211 ; nasturtii, 140 ; parvulus,
15; punctiger, 66, 211; simillimus.. 210
Choleva coracina 15
Colon dentipes, 273; niicrops 65
Criocephalus ferns 214
Cryptophagus birolor, 67 ; populi, 67 ;
pubescens, 89 ; validus 273
PAGE
Deleaster dichrous, var. leachii 159
Derouectes latus 271
Dysmachus plinthoides 276
Elmis parallelopipedus 273
Enicmus testaceus 273
Epliistemus globosus 273
Epipeda nigricans Ill
Euplectus nanus, piceus, signatus 273
Euryporus picipes 140
E usphalerum primula; 273
Euthia scydma'noides 273
Falagria sulcatula 272
Gabrius appendiculatus, bishopi, 82 ; key-
siauus, stipes, velox 81
Galeruca tanaceti 258
Galerucella calmariensis, 160
Gnathocerus cornutus 68
Guathoucus uauuetensis 87
Gnorimus uobilis 276
Gymuetron antirrhini 66
Gyropha'na afSnis 272
Ha-monia appendiculata, 248 ; curtisi ... 191
Haliphis confinis, 6 ; heydeni, 8, 66 ; im-
niaculatus, 9 ; laminatus, 7 ; niucro-
natus, 6; nomax (sp. u.), 153; pal-
leus (sp. n.), 5 ; variegatus, 7 ; weh-
nckei 9
Hapalara'a pygmsea 273
Helocerus claviger G7
Helophorus tuberculatus 68
Heterocerus marginatus 273
Hister carbonarius, 12-striatus, unicolor,
273; stercorarius 66
Homalium exiguum, 15, 140 ; septentri-
onis 272
Homalota augustula, cambrica, currax,
272 ; autumnalis, basicornis, 257 ;
canescens, corvina, cribrata, 214 ;
divisa, 67 ; humeralis, intermedia, 66 ;
muiri (sp. u.), 227; occulta, 67, 89;
picipeunis, 191, 214; puberula, 214;
ravilla, 89, 90 ; sodalis, 191 ; splen-
deus, 140; subsinuata 67
Hydroporus celatus, discretus, 66 ; margi-
natus, nielauarius, 15 ; septeutrioualis 271
llybius u'uescens 15
Ireuarchus fossilis 276
Ischuoglossa corticiua 272
Ischnopoda cojrulea 272
Lathrobium longulum 66
Leptinus testaceus 41
Leptotyphlus perpusillus, &c 138
TAGK
Lesteva. font iualis (ifi
Limnius rivuhiris lo
Liodes (Aiusotonin), algirica, 178, 276,
257; auglica, IG7, 176 ; bruuuea, 176,
256, 276 ; ciii'tn , 174 ; lucens, 176 ;
Imiicollis, 175 ; niacropus, 173; picea,
177; silesiaca, 174; similata, 110;
sleuocoryphe (sp. ii.), 173; triepkii 173
Longitai'sus absiuthii, 247 ; auchusie, 246 ;
dorsalis, 275 ; holsaticus, 274 ; uiger-
rimus, 248, 257 ; obliteratus, 245 ;
parvulus, 246 ; quadrig'uttatus 275
Magdalinus barbicornis, 191; piimi C>J
Malacbius marginellus, 191 ; vulneratus 191
Medou apicalis 140
Megacronus incliiiaus 139
Micropeplus margaritic, staphylinoides 273
Mouotoma spinicollis 273
Mycetophagus 4-guttatus 68
Mycetoporus mouticola, 140; uanus 140
Nanophyes gracilis 214
Necrophorus ruspator 87
Neuraphes rubicuudus 273
Ochthebius bicolou, pygmsuus, rufimargin-
atus, 272; exaratus, viridis, etc. ... 191
Oligota apicata, gianaria 140
OrthochiBtes setiger 66
Ortboperus kUiki 66
Otiorrhyuchus f uscipes 66
Oxypoda nigriua, umbrata, 272 ; spec-
tabiUs, vittata b9
Oxytelus saulcyi Ill
Parnus ernesti, luridus 273
Philonthus addendus, albipes, proximus,
67 ; agibs, debilis, fulvipes, 272 ;
scutatus, 140, 272 ; thermarum 15
Placusa pumiHo 272
Plegaderus dissectus 111,140
Pseudopsis sulcata 273
Pteuidium brisouti, iuteniiedium 273
Pteryx suturalis 67
Ptinus sexpunctatus, 67 ; tectus 68
Quedius hammiauus (sp. n.), 57, 191 ;
lateralis, 67 , 272; longicornis, mic-
rops, nigriceps, picipes, 140 ; pici-
peunis, 133 ; puucticollis, 89, 90 ;
scintillans, 66; vexans, 140; umbri-
nus 272
Rhantus pulverosus 15
Rhizophagus ferrugineus, perforatus, 273 ;
parallelocoUis 67
Rhyiicbites harwoodi (sp. n.), 270 ; nanus 160
vu.
PAGE
Scolytus multistriiitus 67
Scopa'us suk'icollis 67, 272
Scydma'uus exilis 273
Scynmus capitatus, redtenbacheri 273
Sericoderus lateralis 67
Stenus crassus, latifrons, 272 ; incanus... 66
Stilicus geuiculatus 272
Straugalia 4-fasciata 66
Symbiotes latus Ill
Tachinus elongatus, flavipes, pallipes,
proximus 139
Tachyusa flavitarsis, scitula, 272 ; uni-
bratica 160
Telephorus thoracicus var. suturalis ... 17
Tenebrio obscurus 68
Tetrops pnvusta 67
Thiuobius bieolor (sp. n.) 10
Trechus subnotatus 66
Trichonyx ma'rkeli, sulcicollis 67
Triphj'Uus punctatus, suturalis 273
TrogophlcEus arcuatus 272
Xantliolinus distans, tricolor 140
DIPTERA.
PAGE
Achalcus melanotricbus 79
Acletoxenus formosus, syrphoides 230
Agria nuba 127, 196
Agromyza abiens, 253 ; tuneiventris, 254 ;
albitarsis, 253 ; capitata, carbonaria,
cuuctaus, curvipalpis, 254; elongella,
233; flaviceps,253; grossicornis,254 ;
iufuscata, 233 ; lacteipeunis, 233 ; la-
terella, luctuosa, maura, 254; minu-
tissima, obscurella, 233 ; orbona,2o4 ;
pectinata, 233 ; pistacia', 254 ; posti-
cata, reptans, 253 ; scutellata, sim-
plex, 254 ; vagans, 233 ; verbasci,
vittigera 254
Anaguota bicolor 232
Autbomyia imbrida, procellaris 79
Anthomyidii' 159
Authoniy7,aalbimaua,232 ; bifasciata,40;
cingulata, flavipes, 232 ; grisea, 234 ;
pallida, sabulosa, sordidella 232
Apliioclueta rata, rufipes 69
Apbrosylus mitis 79
Ardoptera ocellata 79
Argyra grata 79
Astia elegautula 229
Athyroglossa ordinata 183
PAGE
Atissa (luirenbergciisis, liniosiiia 183
lia lioptera apicalis 232
Boletina basalis 79
Cacoxeuus 231
Ca-uia albula, curvicauda, defecta, fu-
luosa, obscura 187
Calobata sellata, tiivialis 145
Caruarota 148
Camilla acutipennis 231
Canipsiciiemus coinpeditus, margiuatus . . 79
Caiicea brachialis, erythrocera 79
C erat omyza 254
Ceiatopogou forcipatus, uobilis, iiubecu-
losus, pallidus, versicolor 79
Cerodouta lateralis, spiuicornis 254
Cctcma 146
Clialanis spurius 70
Chilosia helvetica, 107; rodgersii 109
Cliiromyia minima, oppidaua 233
Chirouomid 76
Chirosia crassiseta., parviconiis 79
Chloiopisca circumdata, 147 ; obsciuella,
148; oruata, 147; I'ufa 148
Chlorops ciuctipes, liypostigma, iuter-
rupta, huta, plauifrous, serena. tri-
' angularis 147
Cliortophila latipeuuis 79
Cluomatomyia 255
Clirysops relicta 69
Chrysotus melampodius, suavis, variaus... 79
Chyliza atriseta, vittata 145
Chyuiomyza costata, 231 ; fuscimaua .. 230
Ciuochira atra 79
Clanoneurum 183
Clasiopa 183
Cliuocera wesmselii 79
Cwlomyia mollissima 70
Ca'uosia albatella, atra, biliniella, dor-
salis, lineatipes, loiigicauda, pnmila,
pygmiea, saliuarum, triliueella 79
Cordylura pudica 70
Cricotopus pulcliripes 79
Cteuophora flaveolata 236
Hacus longistylus 127
Desmometopa m-atrum, sordidum 233
Diastata inornata, fulvifrons, fuscula,
vagans 231
DicrEBUS raptus, 151, tibialis, 152 ; vagans 151
Didea intermedia 70
Diplotoxa approximatoucrvis, lind)ata ... 146
Diptera 87, 89, 193, 262
PAGE
Discocurina cmerella, 183; glaucella, 184;
plumosa, 183 ; xauthocera 184
Dixa nigra 79
Dolichopus cilifemoratiis, 79 ; lougitarsis,
simplex 69
Domomyza 253
Drosophila distincta, ingrata, 231 : rufi-
frous, tristis 230
Dryomyza senilis 70
Dysmachus trigonus 69
Elachyptera megaspis, pubesceus, scrobi-
culata, tuberculit'era 1 52
Ephydra halophila, salinLu 185
Epicypta triuotata 94
Eristalis ffineus, 215 ; oestraceus, 63 ;
cestrif ormis 64
Eudoromyia magnicornis 79
Fauuia fnscula, sociella 70
Gaurax ephippium, 152; fascipes 153
Geomyza cingulata, frontalis, sabulosa... 232
Germaria angustata 79
Gloma f uscipennis 69
Gymnomera tarsea 70
Gymnopoda tomeutosa 152
Gymuopteruus augustifrons, brevicornis 79
Hercostomus subsimplicipes 79
Hilara aeronetha, 79, 83 ; beckeri, bra-
ueri, carinthiaca, cinereomicaus, cin-
gulata, diversipes, heterogastra, lu-
gubris, 79; matroua, 69; pubipes... 79
Homalomyia, 70 ; fucivorax, lineata . ... 79
Hyadiua humeralis, nitida 185
Hybos culicit'ormis 161
Hydrellia argyrogeuis, flavicoruis, grisea,
raaculiveutris, mutata 184
Hyetodesia variabilis 70
Hypophyllus crinipes 69
Leia terminalis 79
Leptopeza spbeuoptera 79
Leucopis argentata 233
Limnobia decem-maculata 79
Limnophora maritima 79
Limuospila albifrons 79
Liomyza glabricula, 230 ; bcvigata, scato-
phagina 229
Lipara rufitarsis 152
Lispe hydromyzina, pygmiua 79
Lissii 146
Lucilia splendida, sylvarum 70
Madiza latipes 234
Medcterusexcelleus, infumatus, nitidus .. 79
PAGE
Mesachetimi 145
Mcl;uiofh;i't;i ciipreoUi 152
Melaumn 14C
Meoueura 233
Meromyza 146
Microdon eggeri 43
Milichia ludens, ornata 233
Mycetophila oruata 93
Mycetophilid 43, 91
Napomyza elegaiis, flaviceps, gleclioniii',
uigriceps, uigricans, xylostei 255
Notiphila aiinulipes, 70 ; brunnipes, 182 ;
maculata, 183 ; riparia, 70 ; suppo-
sita, 183; uliginosa, 70; veiiusta ... 183
Notonaulax 151
Ochthiphila f asciata, spectabilis 233
Odinia boletina, maculata 253
Oedalia apicalis 79
Onesia geutilis 79
Opomyza liueatopuiictata 232
Orthoueura hievicoruis 70
Oscinis albipalpis, anthraciua, 150 ;
cincta, 151 ; cognata, 150 ; fasciella,
frontella, lajvifrons, 150 ; lineella,
151 ; nitidissima, prateusis, soidi-
della, 150; trilineata, xanthopyga... 151
Pachymeria erberi 79
Paiauthomyza uitida 232
Paihydra nigiitarsis, obliqua 185
Parochthiphila coronata, spectabilis 233
Pegomyia interruptella, nifina, squami-
fera 79
Pelethophila lutea 233
Pelina nitens 185
Periscelis annulata, nigra 230
Pherbina coryleti 70
Philhygria vittipeuuis 185
Philotelma defectum, nigripennis 186
Phortica alboguttata, variegata 230
Phronia basalis 94
Phyllomyza flavitarsis 233
Phytomyza angeliciu, aprilina, chipro-
phylli, crassiseta, flaviceps, 255 ;
flavicornis, flaviventiis, 256 ; fuscula,
geniculata, liorticola, 255 ; macu-
lipes, 256 ; morio, uigricaus, nigri-
pennis, nigritella, primula', 255 ;
pullula, ruficornis, 256 ; syngenesia%
255 ; terminalis, tridentata, 256 ;
veronica', 255; zetterstedtii 256
Pipuuculus incoguitus, 79 ; strobli, sylva-
ticus 70
IX.
PAGE
Platyura huniorali.'^, modesta, nigricauda 79
L'li'cilobotluus comitialis 79
I'orphyrops f racta 79
Psila gracilis, humeralis, nigrDinaiulata,
pectoralis, villosula 145
Psiloconopa pusilla 79
Psilopus licwi 79
Ptilonota guttata 216
Ptychomyia selecta 79
Pycuosoma marginale 12/
Rhamphomyia culicina 79
Rhicuoessa albosetulosa, grisea, griseola,
longirostris 234
Khinia iunea 127
Rhymosia 94
Sapromyza affinis 70
Sarcophaga halterata {v. Errata), pumila,
sinuata 79
Scaptomyza flava, gracilis, tetrasticha ... 231
Scatophila caviceps, unicornis, variegata 186
Scatopse coxendix, talpa' 79
Schoenomyza 253
Sciara lougiventris 79
Selachops flavocincta 254
Seoptera vibrans 70
Sipliouella capreola, duinensis, la'vigata,
longirostris, osciuiua, pumiliouis,
tristis 149
Siphunculinaa'nea 149
Spha'rophoria Iccwi 79
Spilogaster halterata (v. Errata), 79 ;
uliginosa 70
Sturmia ligniperda 79
Syntomogaster exigua, f asciata 79
Syutormon filiger, spicatus, 79 ; tarsatus 70
Tabauus sudeticus 69
Tachista tuberculata 79
Tehnaturgus tumidulus 79
Tethina illota 284
Teuchophorus calcaratus 79
Thereva nobilitata 69
Thrypticus divisus, ln'tus, pollinosus 79
Tipulida; 159
Trichina opaca 79
Vibrissina turrita 79
HEMIPTERA.
Anthocoris linibatus 94
Aphanus quadratus 94
X.
PAGE
Aphclocheinis a'stivalis 278
Diyinus pilicomis 278
Gastrodes abietis, ferrugiueus 161
Limnogeitou fiebeii 198
Lyganis militaris 127
Melampsalta cantaus 259
Miris laevigatus 36
Newstearlia floccosa 179
Oncotylus viricliflavus 91
Orthezia cataphracta 179
Ortheziola veidovskyi 179
Piezostethus cursitans 278
Ripersia douistlioipei, formicaiii, toiulini 179
Salda margiualis 94
Scolopostethus pictus 278
Steuocephalus agilis, albipes, niedius 134
HYMENOPTERA.
Ammophila hirsnta, 91 ; gracillima 124
Andrena, Species of 91,92
Antliidiiim manicatum 92
Anthophora incana, nubrica 197
Apha?nogaster barbara 124
Apterogyna savignyi 124
Astatus stigma 91
Bembex lusca, 125; mediterranea .125, 195
Bombus jonellus, latreillellus var. distiu-
guendus, soroeusis 92
Camponotus sericeus 124
Cerceris albicincta, anuexa, subimpressa 125
Ceratina tarsata 126
Ceropales variegatus 236
Chrysis aurifascia, fascioeata, uasiita,
pallidicornis 127
Cilissa leporina 92
CoUetes succiuctus 92
Crabro, Species of 92
Elis senilis 124, 199
EpeoUis rufipes 92
Eumenes dimidiatipeunis, esurieus, 125;
lepelletieri, 125,199; tinctor..l95, 196, 197
Halictus leucozonius, quadriuotatus, xan-
thopus 125
Hedychrydium aheueum 127
Icaria cincta 190
Ichneumonida" 19, 93
Macrophysa, 103 ; Species of 106,107
Megacbile albociucta, ? flavipos, ? patelli-
maua, 126; ligniseca, 92 ; aigeutata 91
PAGE
Myriiiecocystns viaticus 124
Myziiie fasciciilata, rousseli 124
Nomada bifida, solidagiuis 92
Nomia edentata, latipes 126
Nomiodes rotuudiceps 126
Odynerus bellatiilus, 192 ; gracilis, pictus,
tiimargiiiatns 92
Osmia auruleuta, solskyi 92
Oxybelus mucronatus 92
Pauurgus calcaratus 92
Parasitica 93
Paruopes viridis 196
Pemphredou 1 ugnbris 91
Periclysta pnbescens 227
Philanthus coarctatus, 125; variegatus.. 129
Prenolepis longiconiis 124
Rhynchium cyanopterum, 125; iiiloticum,
119,125; synagrioides 125
Salius bretonii, 199 ; affinis 91
Sceliphron spirifex 125
Scolia er)-throcephala 124
Spliex umbrosus 125
Stilbum spleiididum, 125 ; var. amethy-
stinum 125
Tachysphex fluctuatus 195, 199
Taclitytes superbiens 125
Tiphia raiiuita 91
Trypoxylon figulus 91
Xylocopa a'stuans, 126, 196, 197; tas-
cheubergi 126
LEPIDOPTERA.
Abraxas grossulariata,vars.hazeleighensis,
nigrosparsata, 21 ; varleyata, subvio-
lacea 280
Acherontia atropos 280
Acidalia rusticata 45
Acriva alboradiata,120 ; alciope, aurivillii,
268 ; astrigera, f . brunnea, aureola,
cinerea subsp. alberta, ella, grosve-
nori, lofua, periphanes f. acritoides.. 284
Acrocercops acidula (sp. 11.), telestis
(sp. n.) 213
Acrouycta nieny anthidis var 280
Actinote thalia 48
Adelpha abyla 115
iEgeria spheciforuiis 237
Aganisthos odius 115
Agriades coridou var. syugrapba, 164;
thetis, var. curlestis 163
PA(!E
Agrotis asatliiua, 21, 42; cursoria, 9o ;
helvetiiia, uigricaus var. funiosa, 115 ;
ripa", 21 ; tiitici 42
Amauris psy ttalea 240
Amphimwa walkeri 283
Anarta melanopa 102
Anthersea mylitta 142
Apamea ophiogramma 42, 95
Apatura iris 21
Apisa canescens 122
Aplecta uebulosa var. thompsoni, 20, 162,
163 ; occulta, 238 ; prasina 20
Aporia agathon var. phryxe 75
Arctia caja var 21
Areuipses sabella 123
Argynuis lathouia, 21, 99; pales, 100;
seleue 143
Argyresthia decimella 205, 236
Aristotelia tetragonella 206
Asplialia rideas 42
Asteroscopus iiubeculosa 21
Azaiius ubaldus 122
Bactra lanceolana 123
Beleuois mesentina 121
Biston hirtavia 21,162
Boarmia abietaria, 21 ; gemmaria var.
nigra, 20, 96 ; repandata var. nigra,
20; var. couversaria 280
Borkhausenia semifuscata (»p. n.) 189
Brenthis euphrosyne var., 45 ; seleneviir. 282
Calisto zangis 115
Calligenia miniata 42
Callophrys avis 217
Callopieris eulimine 121
Calymnia pyralina 42
Catochrysops eleusis 122
Catophaga ega 282
Catopsilia florella 121
Cecidophaga tamaricicola (sp. n.) 190
Charaxes raidhaka 164
Chilades trochilus 122
Cidaria reticulata, 20 ; suffumata \ar.
porrittii 280
Coenonympha arcania, 101 ; dorus 47
Coesyra solae (sp. n.) 188
Colias hyale, 217, 238, 282 ; edusa, 282 ;
marnoana, 120 ; nastes var. wer-
dandi, 282 ; pahi-no, 100, 282 ; phico-
mone 21, 100, 282
Collix sparsata 42
CopicucuUia sublutea 123
PAOE
Cosniotricho potatoria 45
Cranibus dumetcllus, 102 ; falscllus, lia-
mellus, latistrius, uligiiiosellus, 42 ;
obstructus (sp. u.) 82
Craspedia couseiitanea 122
Cupido osiris 21
Cyaniris parishii 164
Cymatophora fluctuosa, 21 ; octogesima 42
Danaida chrysippus 120
Deilemera antinori 240, 268
Deilephila galii, 192; livornica 122, 280
Diauth(Pcia luteago var. barrettii 46
Dicranura bifida, f urcula 42
Diloba cooruleocephala 217
Dioryctria abietella, decuriella, spleudid-
ella 23
Diphthera orion var 47
Dismorphia actinote 48
Dysdasmonia kadeni 164
Ellopia prosapiaria 21
Emydia cribrum 1 01
Endotricha consobrinalis 198
Epione advenaria, 23; apiciaria 21
Epistor gorgon 282
Erastria venustula 283
Erebia a^thiops, race Caledonia, 277 ; ceto,
101, 116; epiphron, 101; glacialis,
goante, gorge, lappona, 101 ; ligea,
melampus, mnestra, stygne, tyndarus 101
Eromene ocellea 123
Euchelia jacobita' 44
Euchloe cardamines, damone .>A7
Eueides pavana 48
Euralia dubia 240
Euplroa mulciber 164
Euproctis xanthosoma 197
Euripus consimilis 164
Euxoa spinifera 123
Fidonia carbonaria 46
Galactica caradjii' (sp. n.) 15
Galleria mellonella 42
Gelechia salicornin>, 205 ; tessella (quad-
rella), 95; tetragonella 205
Gloriana ornata 115
Gnophria rubricollis 42
Gonopteryx Cleopatra, 48, 267; rhamni... 267
Gortyna flavago 280
Gracilaria syringella 277
Grammodia caicus 283
Grapholitha geminaua, nievana 142
GyniLH'ia dives 115
xu.
PAGE
Hadeua contiiiua 42, 260
Halias bicoloiaiia 43
Halonota tuibidaua 11', 192
Heliconius adouides, erato, feyeri, melpo-
meue, uotabilis, 97; phyllis vars.,
47 ; plesseni, rubiipicta 97
Hellula hydi-alis 123
Hemeroplaues iuuus 283
Heodes alciphron var. gordius, 99 ; hippo-
thoe, virgaureie 102
Herpenia ei'iphia 200
Hesperia liueola, 95 ; ?id:i' 164
Hipparchia semele 267
Hyberuia aurautiaria, var. 280; margi-
naria 1^4
Hydriecia criuauensis 20, 44
Lselia semiuuda 198
Lamoria imbella 123
Laphygma exigua 123
Leucania l-album, 23 ; loreyi, 127 ; im-
pudens, 41 ; putrescens, 21 ; stram-
inea 41
Leuceronia buquetii 200
Limacodes testudo 42
Litbosia caniola, 45 ; complaua, 21 ; de-
plaua, 43 ; deplana var 267
Limenitis Camilla, 21 ; populi, 45 ; Si-
bylla 235, 239
Lita gecko (sp. n.), 12 ; parvipules (sp. n.) 13
Litbocolletis conista (sp. n.), 212; hor-
tella, sylvella, 282 ; roboris 236
Lophopteryx carmelita 42
Loxopera beatricella 260
Luperina cespitis, 115; gueneei, 20, 46,
97, 204, 280; nickerlii 204
Lycffina icarus, 44 ; orbitulus 48, 238
Melanargia galathea, 45, 99; pherusa ... 45
Melanippe flnctuata var 280
Melasiua Ingubris 102
Melitieaathalia var. coracina, 47; auriuia,
96 ; cynthia, 100 ; dictyuna, 99 ;
var. vernetensis, 23 ; partheuie, 75 ;
phwbe, 21 ; varia 75
Meliana flammea 75
Monopis spilotella, weaverella 18
Nacaduba ardates var. dima 164
Nemeopliila plantaginis var. , 44 ; russula 102
Nisoniades tages 238
Noctua dahlii, 44 ; ditrapezium, 23 ;
glareosa, stigmatica 42
Noctuelia floralis 122
Nomiades semiargiis 22
PAGE
Xouagria ariiudineta, 203 ; aruudiuis var.
fratenia, geminipuucta, 12 ; ueurica
...203, 206
Notodouta dicta-a, dictseoides 42
Nyssia hispidaria, 143 ; lapponaria, 21 ;
zonaria 162
Ogyris meeki 164
Ophinsa stolida 204
Oporabia filigramniaria 20, 21
Orgyia splendida 48
Oruitboptera alexandne, tithonns 16s
Orrhodia erythrocephala 264
Oxytripia orbiculosa 47
Pacliuobia leucographa 21
Pampbila comma 48
Papilio dardanus var. leighi, 240; demo-
docus, 120 ; homerus 115
Pararge legeria, 259 ; megwra, 259 ; race
Caledonia 277
Parasemia plantaginis, 260 ; vars 100
Parnassius apollo, 100 ; mnemosyue .48, 99
Parthestina jermyui 75
Peridela sudanata 122
Perrhybis pyrrlia 45
Phibalapt eryx lapidata 46
Pbigalia pedaria 21
Pbilosamia cecropia 281
Pholus pborbas 283
Pbryxiis livoruica 122,282
Pieris brassicie, 260 ; bryoni;«, 98 ; calli-
dice, 100 ; oleracea 144
Plebeius argyrognomon, arion, 102 ; da-
mon, 99 ; eumedon, 102 ; cscheri,
hylas, 98; orbitulus, semiargus 102
Pleurota ueotes, sp. n 187
Plusia moueta 192
Polygouia c-album var. hutchinsoui 97
Polyommatus ba^ticus, 122 ; escheri 47, 98
Porthesia erythrosticta, 123; similis 260
Procris statices 101
Psodos alpinata, trepidaria 102
Psyche plumistrella 100
Pyralis lieuigialis 192
Rhyaciouia logsa, sp. n., 251 ; purdeyi,
sp.u 252
Sarothripus uudulanus 43
Saturnia pavouia-major, 96 ; pyretorum.. 142
Satyrus cordula, hermione, semele, 99,
race scota, 277 ; statilinuB 48
Schoenbergia meridionalis, paradisea 165
Scopula lutealis 21
Scotosia dubitata 112
PAGK
Selenia Ijilunaria 118
Sesainia apunctif era, crefcica 123
Setina aurita 100
Smerinthiis tiliie 218
Spodoptera mauritia 123
Sterrha sacraria 200,281
Stigmella zizyphi, sp. n 190
Symmoca alhanibrella, sp. n 212
Syiiia musculosa 23
Syiitomis phegea 265
Tachy ris celestiiia, melania 282
Tieniocampa mnuda 21
Tapinostola extrema, 46, 75 ; hellmanni 75
Tarucns theophrastus 119
Tephrosia Inridata 21
Teracolus Calais, 200 ; chrysonome, daira,
ephyia, 121 ; eupompe, evarne, 198 ;
halimede, 196 ; phisadia, 200 ; pro-
toraedia 121
Terias silhetana 164
Tethea retusa 42
Tholomiges turfosalis 42
Titanio phrygialis, schraukiaua 102
Trichiura obsoleta 197
Trichoptilus pallidum 42
Triphsna fimbria var 46
Trochilium bembeciformis 115, 116, 192
Vanessa autiopa, 236 ; cardui 217
Virachola autalus 200
Xauthia aurago, 280 ; ocellaris 80, 204, 280
Xyliua furcifera, 281 ; semibrnnnea 43
Xylophanes isaon, 265 ; nechus 283
Xylophasia zollikof eri 19, 203
Zizera lysimon 122, 199
Zygaena achille;e, 101 ; cariiiolica, 98 ;
exiilans, 100 ; filipenduhe var. chry-
santhemi, 203 ; hippocrepidis, 95 ;
transalpina, 98 ; trifolii var. obscura,
var. daimou 203
NEUROPTERA AND TRICHOPTERA.
.^schna cyanea 159
Brachytron pratense 160, 193
Chictopteryx villosa 19
Chrysopa dorsalis, 49, 54; flava, 118;
perla 51, 55
Halesus auricollis, 19; guttatipennis ...19, 43
Lertha barbara 282
Libellula fulva 193
Mecistogaster modestus, ornatns 18
xui.
PAGE
Megaloprepus ccurtilans 18
Neniojitera bipeiiiii.s 282
Nemoura dubitatis 281
Pauorpa germanica, var. borealis 2&t
Pseudostigma aberraiis 18
Pyrrhosoma nymphula 193
Rhaphidia coguata 112
Sympetrum f ouscolombii 207
ORTHOPTERA.
Acheta campestris 138
Anisolabia annulipes, 137, 225 ; mari-
tima 137, 225
Apterygida arachidis, 136, 225 ; albi-
pennis 136, 226
Blatta adspersicollis, ceylonica, 155 ; lap-
])oiiica, 137 ; liturifera, 155 ; livida,
pauzeri (ericetorum), 137 ; supellecti-
lium 155
Chelidiirella acauthopygia 225
Derocalymma porcellio 198
Dixippus morosus 282
Porficula auricularia, 136, 226 ; deci-
pieus, 226 ; lesnei, 136, 226 ; silana... 226
Labia minor 136, 225
Labidura riparia 127, 135, 225
Liosilpha pumicata 156
Nemobia sylvestris 138
Onychostyliis ungniculatus 156
Oxycoryphus conipressicornis 198
Pauchlora nivea 142
Periplaueta americaua, australasi:e 137
Phaneroptera minima 127
Phyllodromia treitliaua 201
Platycleis brachyptera 237
Pseudectobia luueli 156
Steuobothrus bicolor 237
SIPHONAPTERA.
Ceratophyllusfasciatus, 113; silantiowi... 141
Xenopsylla brasiliensis, 234 ; cheopis, 68,
113; scopulit'er, 234 ; vigetus 235
THYSANOPTERA.
Cephalothrips monilicoruis 63
Cryptotbrips major 60, 63
Deudrothrips latus, rectangularis, 61 ;
•tUia' 63
Hiudsiaua flavicincta, melaleuca 61
Phld'othrips brevicoUis 62
ADDITIONS TO THE BRITISH INSECT FAUNA
BROUGHT FORWARD IN THIS VOLUME.
COLEOPTERA.
SPECIES.
PAGE
Atheta liliputana, -Bris 223
Barypithes duplicatus, Keys 130
Bledius anntv, S/inrjJ 31
„ filipes, „ 32
,, hinnulus, Er. (diota, Schiodte) 34
,, \xtior, Muls. et Bey 58
,, secerdendus, Joy 269
,, terebrans, Sc?i)orffe 33
Bryaxis impressa var. uuicolor, Collins 276
Haliplus heydeni, ire/iKcfce 8
,, imuiaculatus, Ge?'?! 9
,, nomax, Balfowr-Browne 153
,, palleiis, -FoicZer 5
,, wehnckei, Gerh 9
Homalota nniiri, S/mrjj 22/
Liodes (Anisotouia) davidiana, 11 (subse-
queutly withdrawn, 147) ; steno-
coryphe 1/3
Quedius hamniianus, Sharp 57
,, picipennis, ifeec 133
Rhj'nchites harwoodi, Joy 270
Telephorus thoracicus, var. suturalis,
Schilshy... 17
Thinobius bicolor, Joy 10
DIPTERA.
SPECIES.
Achalcus melanotrichus, Mih 79
Agroniyza abiens, ZeW 253
,, ieneiveutris, ii'Z?) 254
,, albitarsis, Zeff 253
,, carbonaria, ,, 254
,, cunetans, Meig 254
,, flaviceps, i'Z?! 253
,, laterella, Ze« 254
„ maura, ilfci^ 254
,, posticata, ,, 253
., simplex, iw 254
,, verbasci, Bottc/ie 254
,, vittigera, Zeif 254
A nagnota bicolor, Meig 232
Authomj'ia imbrida, Rnnd 79
,, prorellaris. Bond 79
Authomyza albimana, Jifei'g 232
,, bifasciata, TFood 40
pallida, Zeff 232
sordidella, ,, 232
Aphrosylus mitis, Ferr 79
Ardoptera ocellata, Cosf a 79
Argyra grata, Ltu 79
Athyroglossa ordinata, Beck 183
Atissa durrenbergensis, Lit' 183
,, limosina, BecA- 183
Balioptera apicalis, 3Ie?'<7 232
Boletina basalis, ,, 79
Ca-nia curvicauda, ,, 187
Camilla acutipeunis, Lw 231
Canipsicnennis compeditus, Lw 79
,, marginatus, ,, 79
Caricea brachialis, Bonri 79
,, erythrocera, Desv 79
Ceratopogon f orcipatus , Wi7in 79
,, nobilis, ,, 79
,, nubeculosus, Meifir 79
,, pallidus, Winn 79
,, versicolor ,, 79
Cerodonta lateralis, Zett 254
., spiuicornis, Macg 254
Chiromyia minima, BecZ; 233
C hirosia crassiseta, Stein 79
,, parvicornis, Zeff 79
Chloropisca obscurella, ,, 148
„ rufa, M'ncq 148
Chlorops hyijostigma, Meig 1 47
,, iuterrnpta, ,, 147
,, planifrons, Lie 147
,, Serena, ,, 147
,, triangularis. Beck 147
Chortophila latipeunis, Zeff 79
Chrysotus melampodius, iw 79
,, suavis, ,, 79
,, varians, Z'ow 79
Chymomyza costata, 2eft 231
fuscimana, Zeff 230
Ciuochira atra, ,, 79
Clinocera wesmffilii, ilfactjr 79
Cionosia albatella, Zett 79
,, atra, illo'gr 79
,, biliniella, Zett 79
,, dorsalis, V. Eoser 79
,, liueatipes, Zett 79
,, longicauda, ,, 79
,, pumila, i^aH 79
,, pygmu'a, Zett 79
,, salmarum, S^ein 79
PARE
C(Eiiosi;i tiiliueella, Zett 79
Cricotopus pulchripes, FejT 79
Diastata vagaus, Liu 231
Dicra'us tibialis, J/(JC(/ 152
,, \'a,ga.us, Meig 151
Diplotoxa approximatouervis, Zef^ 146
,, limbata, Ifeig 146
Discoceriua cinerella, Stenh 183
„ glaucella, ,, 184
,, plumosa, Fin 183
,, xanthocera, Lw 184
Dixa nigra, Steg 79
Dolichopus cilifemoratus, xlfacg 79
Drosophila ruiif rons, Liv 230
Elachyptera megaspis, ,, 152
,, pubesceus Thalh 152
,, scrobiculata, Sfrob J 152
,, tuberculifera, Co?'fi 152
Eiuloroinyia magnicoruis, Zeff 79
Gaurax ephippium, ,, 152
Geomyza frontalis, Fall 232
Germaria angustata, Zett 79
Gynmopteruus angustifrous, Sfa?5r 79
,, brevicornis, ,, 79
Hercostomus subsimplicipes, Fe9T 79
Hilara aeronetha, llifc 79, 83
,, beckeri, S<ro6i 79
,, braueri, ,, 79
,, carinthiaca, ,, 79
„ ciuereomicans, Sfro&i 79
,, ciugulata, Z>n7ii?) 79
, , diversipes, Strobl 79
,, heterogastra, Now 79
,, lugubris, Zet^ 79
,, pubipes, Liv 7^
Homalomyia f ucivorax , Kieff 79
,, linenta,, Stein 79
Hyadiua humeralis, £ecA; 185
Hydrellia argyrogenis, ,, 184
,, flavicornis, i^aW 184
,, grisea, SfenT) 184
,, maculiventris, Becfc 184
nmta,U\, Zett 184
Leia terniiualis, Meiy 79
Leptopeza spheiioptera, Lw 79
Leucopis argeutata, Heeger 233
Limuobia decemmaculata, Lw 79
Limuophora maritima, V. i?6rf 79
Limnospila albifrous, Zett 79
Liomyza la3vigata, Meig 229
PAGE
Lispe hydromyziua, 2^aW 79
,, pygiuiua, ,, 79
Medeterus excelleus, jF)-ci/ 79
,, iiifumata, Lty 79
,, lutidus, M acq 79
Napomyza nigriceps, r. rf. Wulp 255
Notiphila brunniijes, Desv 182
Ochthiphila f asciata, Liv 233
Odiiiia boletiua, Ze^f 253
Oedalia apicalis, Lit! 79
Onesia gentilis, Desv 79
Opomyza liueatopunctata, v. Rosei- 232
Osciuis cognata, Meig 150
,, fasciella, Zeff 150
,, honteWa., Fall 160
,, la?vifroiis, Lio 150
,, VmeeWa, Fall 151
,, uitidissima, Meig 150
,, sordidella, Zefi 150
Pachymeria erberi, Now 79
Parhydra nigritarsis, Sfrobi 185
,, obliqua, Becfc 185
Parochthiphila corouata, Lw 233
Pegomyia interruptella, Zett 79
rufiua, Fall 79
,, squamifera, Sfem 79
Peliua uiteus, Liv 185
Periscelis uigra, Zeff 280
Philhygria vittipennis, Zetf 185
Philotelma uigripeniiis, Meig 186
Phortica alboguttata, Wahlbg. 230
Phyllomy za flaritarsis , Meig 233
Pliytomyza angelicff, Kalt 255
,, crassiseta, Zett 255
,, fuscula, ,, 255
,, morio, ,, 255
,, nigritella, ,, 255
puUula, „ 256
,, ruficornis, ,, 256
,, trideutata, iio 256
,, veromciP, Kali 255
Pipuuculu.s incoguitus, Verr 79
Platyura liumeralis, Wi)in 79
,, modesta, ,, 79
,, nigricauda, Sfrobt 79
P(rcilobothrus comitialis, Koir 79
Porphyrops f racta, Lie 79
Psila humeralis, Zeff 145
„ nigromaculatus, S^cobt 145
Psiloconopa pusilla, Schin 79
XVI.
PAGE
Psilopiis loewi, 7?rci- 79
Ptychoniyin selecta, Meig 79
Ehamphomyia culiciua, Fall 79
Rhicnoessa longirostris, Lw 2.'$4
Sarcophaga pumila, Meig 79
„ sinuata, ,, 79
Scaptomyza tetrasticha, Becfc 231
Scatophila caviceps, Stenh 18(5
,, uuicoinis, Czer?))/ ... 186
,, variegata, L?r 186
Scatopse coxeudix, Verr 79
„ talpie, ,, 79
Sciara longiveutris, Zett 79
Siphouella duinensis, SfrobZ 149
„ longirostris, Zw 149
,, purailionis, 5/e/-^-. 149
,, tristris, in' 149
Siphiiuciiliiia a'uea, ilfrtcg. 149
Sphaa-ophoria kewi, Zeff 79
Spilogaster halterata, Stein {v. Errata) 79
Sturmia ligniperda, Br. a?i(Z i>fc';-(/ 79
Syntomogaster exigna, Meig 79
,, fasciata, ,, 79
Syutormou filiger, Ferr. 7^
,, .spicatus, J/w 79
Tacliista tuberculata, iw 79
Telniaturgus tumididus, Radd 79
Teucophorus calcaratus, iliflcg 79
PAGE
Thrypticus divisus, SfrobZ 79
,, lietus, P'ej-r. 79
,, pollinosus, Ferr 79
Trichina opaca, Lw 79
Vibrissina turrita, Meig 79
HEMTPTERA.
Ortheziola veidovskyi, Side.
Stenocephalus niedius, M. et R.
179
134
HYMENOPTERA.
Periclysta piibescens, Zarff? 227
LEPIDOPTERA.
Erebia ;ethiops, race Caledonia, Verity .. 277
Pararge megaa-a, ,, Verity... 277
Rhyaciouia logsea, -Dwrranf 251
, , purdeyi , , 252
Satyrus semele, race scota, Ferif?/ 277
LIST OF NEW GENERA AND SPECIES, &c.,
DESCRIBED IN THIS VOLUME.
COLEOPTERA.
SPECIES.
PAGE
l?;iris loiata, Marshall, Suddn 207
Barypithes diiplicatus, Keys, England 130
Bledius amia', S/irt/'jj, Scotland 31
,, fiVipes, Sharj), England 32
,, secerdendus, Joy, England. 269
Rryaxis impressa var. nuicolor, Collins,
Engla nd 2/6
Haliplusuomax, Balfour-Browne, Britain 153
,, paWens, Foivley, Britain 5
Homalota muiri, Sharp, New Forest,
England 227
Liodes davidiana, Joy, England, 11 (sub-
sequently withdrawn, 167)
Liodes stenocoryphe, Joy, England 173
Quedius hauimiaiius, Sharp, England... 57
Rhynchites harwoodi, Joy, Scotland ... 270
Thinobius bicoloi, Jo (/, Sco^iand 10
DIPTERA.
Anthomyza bifasciata, Wood, England
Chilosia helvetica, Wainwright,
Switzerland...
,, rodgersii, Wainwright, Algeria
LEPIDOPTERA.
GENERA.
Cecidophaga, TFaZsfwsr/iaiM 189
Galactica, ,, 14
SPECIES.
Acrocercops acidula, iTf^?/r)cA-, /«f7(V( .. 213
,, telestis, ,, ,, ... 213
Borkhausenia semifuscata, Walsingham,
Algeria 189
Cecidophaga tamaricicola, Walsingham,
Algeria 190
Ciusyra sohe, Walsingham, Algeria 188
Crainbus obstructus, Meyrick,
New Zealand... 82
Erebia icthiops, race Caledonia,
Verity, Scotland... 277
Cxalactica caradja?, Walsingham,Algeria 15
Lita gecko, ,, ,, 12
,, parvipulex ,, ,, 13
Lithocolletis couista, Jlfeyrj'cA;, 77ifZia ... 212
Pararge megaera, race Caledonia,
Verity, Scotland... 277
Pleurota neotes, Wahingham, Algeria.. 187
Rhyacionia logfta, Durrant, Scotland,
{Elgin, Fon-es)... 251
,, purdeyi, Durrant, England,
(Folkestone)... 252
Satyrus semele, race scota, Verity,
Scotland .. 277
Stigmella ziz}'plii, Walsingham, Algeria 190
Synimoca alhambrella, ,, Spain... 212
ORTHOPTERA.
GENERA.
Chorisoblatta, Shelf ord 155
Eoblatta, ,, 155
Margattea, ,, 155
Neoblattella, „ 155
Supella, ,, 156
TflYSANOPTERA.
Cryptothrips maior, Bagtiall, Norway... 60
Hiudsiana uielaleuca ,, Denmark... 61
Phlceothrips brevicollis ,, Norway... 62
ERRATA.
Page 57, the bracket-sign after " obtuse " on line 11, should be transferred
to after " extremity," on line 12.
„ 70, line 16 from bottom, for " rwpum " read " ntpinwi."
„ 70, „ 22 „ „ for " Scoptera " read " Seoptera."
„ 79, No. 7-4 insert " Spilogaster" before " halterata. Stein."
„ 126, line 24 from top for " edentato " read " edentata."
„ 127, „ 12 „ „ for " E. aurifascia " read " C. aurifascia."
„ 145, „ 7 „ „ for " cibliaria" read " cibaria,"
„ 147, „ 6 „ ]x>ttom, for " (?) " read " 146."
„ 147, „ 3 ,, „ insert a comma at end of line.
„ 148, „ 8 „ „ for " retfernme " read " renferme."
„ 148, „ 3 „ „ for " Meigen,she," read " Meigen'she."
„ 148, „ 2 „ „ for " zwiten," read " zweiten."
„ 150, „ 18 „ „ insert " * " before " Oscinis."
„ 164, „ 6 „ „ for " Poixltou " read " Poulton."
„ 227, „ 5 „ top for " densissima " read " densissime."
„ 227, „ 6 „ „ for " extrorsum-leviter " read
" extrorsum Icviter."
„ 231, „ 15 „ top delete " *."
„ 232, „ 20 „ „ insert " * " before " Balioptera."
" 233, „ 3 „ bottom, delete " thus."
„ 238, „ 27 „ top for " Albula " read " Albulina."
EXPLANATION OF PLATES.
Plate I. — Life-History of Chrysopa dorsalis (see pp. 49-56).
„ II. — Barypithes pellucidus, Boh., and B. duplicatus, n. sp.
(see pp. 128-132)
„ III — Some interesting British Insects (IV'), (see pp. 203-206).
„ IIIa. — Nonagria nenrica, Hb. (see pp. 206, 207).
„ IV. — British Dermaptera (see pp. 225, 226).
Portrait.— a. H. Verrall, F.E.S. (see pp. 262-264).
id(L.r''
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SECOND SERIES-VOL. XXII.
[VOLUME XL VII].
A REVISION OF THE BRITISH SPECIES OF HALIPLUS, Latreille.
BY JAMES EDWARDS, F.E.S.
The present paper coutaius, inter alia, a setj^regation of ovir forms
of the TuficoUis group on the lines indicated by Julius Gerhardt in an
admirable paper published by him more than thirty years ago (Zeitschr.
fiir Ent. Breslau, 1877, 34). There he calls particular attention to
the advantage to be derived from the use as a differential character,
of a certain extremely fine irrorate punctulation found on the elytra
of the females. For some reason not easy to understand, subsequent
aiithors, whilst not disputing its existence, have ignored the value of
this character. The only British writer who has exhibited a working
acquaintance with Gerhardt' s paper is Mr. Newbery, but he, imfor-
tunately, only availed himself of it to a very limited extent. For
example, in introducing Gerhardt's H. immaculatus as British (Ent.
Mo. Mag., xUii, 4) he seems to have overlooked the circumstance that
his insect from Bury St. Edmund's with the elytra in the female
punctulate from the apex to the middle coidd not well be the same as
Gerhardt's immacnlatus, in which the females have perfectly smooth
elytra. I find that the punctulation in question is stronger at the
apex than at the base in those species in which it reaches from the
apex to the shoulders ; in one it becomes gradually evanescent from
about the middle forward, and in one is confined to the extreme apex
and the apical half of the suture. My experience lends no support to the
idea that the females of Haliplus are subject to dimorphism. Gerhardt
thought that the punctulation when present was confined to the apical
halfof the elytra; Wehucke,however (Deutsche Ent. Zeitschr.,1880,224),
mentions some species with the elytra punctulate throughout, though
he speaks of the female of ruficoUis as punctulate in the apical liaK
January, 1911,
2 [Jauuary,
only, a matter iu which liis experience differs from my own. I believe,
however, that this discrepancy arises from the fact that m the cus-
tomary dorsal aspect the punctulation is more easily seen on the
subapical slope of the elytra ; one has to reniember that this punctu-
lation consists of very minute depressions, and that unless the lighting
is such that the walls of the depressions cast a shadow, the punctulation
remains invisible, in short, the incidence of the light is of as much
importance as the degree of magnification. Mr. Newbery (I.e.) says
that the females (presumably of all the species in the group) have the
elytra " alutaceous." The latter term, which I understand to express
the condition found on the interspaces of the thorax in certain species
of Laccobius, i.e., covered with minute cracks like mud or mosaic (Rye,
Brit. Beetles, 1866, 16), is quite inapplicable to any female Haliplus
with which I am acquainted; its vise probably arose through incautious
adoption from Bedel, Faune Col. Bass. Seine, i, 222, 223, where
" alutacee " replaces the " ausserst feine Punktirung " and " sub-
tilissime punctulatis " of G-erhardt. Notwithstanding M. Bedel's
statement that he had a series of females exhibiting every degree of
elytral punctulation from presence to absence, it appeared to the writer
that Gerhardt's work might be found worthy of investigation.
Exceptionally it may become necessary to examine the male
genitalia, in which case one need only concern oneself with the
sedeagus and its attendant side-lobes. The a^deagus is more or less
characteristic in shape for each species, and lies, when in sitil and at
rest, with its concave edge to the left of the insect. The right side-
lobe is merely a concave scale, usually oblong or subtriangular with
rounded apex. The left side-lobe has a more complicated contour ;
viewed from the outside it is usually elongate triangular with a long
curved spine at the apex, and bears on the distal half of its left edge
a fringe of long, more or less coherent, hair-like strips of delicate
membrane ; in H. immaculatus there is, instead of the membranovxs
fringe, a large triangvdar tooth ; in H. striatus also the fringe is
wanting. I am indebted to Dr. Joy for the opportmiity to compare
with my own preparations his dissections of the male genitalia in
H. rujicolUs, JiuviatiUs, immamdatus, and wehnckei ; the two latter are
especially interesting, the immaculatvs being a specimen from Colwall
of the species distributed by Mr. Tomlin imder that name, and the
wehnckei one of the specimens from Bury St. Edmund's determined as
immaculakhs, Gerh., by Mr. Newbery. I am also indebted to the
latter for the loan of a set of specimens illustrative of his paper
before referred to, as well as his separate copy of Gerhardt's paper,
1911.] 3
now difficult to obtain, and iiiiich helpful correspondence. Dr. Sharp
placed vmreservedly at my disposal an enormous amount of material,
a good deal of it datin<; back to the sixties, and both Mr. Champion
and. Commander Walker have, as usual, been laid under contribution.
The following is a table of our species of the genus : —
1 (6) Elytra with subregiilar rows of sliallow pviuotiires.
2 (3) Base of thorax without a longitudinal impression opi^osite tlio foiu-th
row of elytr'al piinctures. Prosternxun not margined, coarsely
punctured obliqtms, Fabr.
3 (2) Base of thorax with a longitudinal impression, boixnded outwardly by
a distinct ridge, opposite the foui'th row of elytial punctures.
Prosternum margined, finely punctured.
. 4 (5) Pale yellow, black lines on elytra obsolete on the basal fourth.
Thorax little more than two and a-half times as broad as long, less
contracted in front pallens. Fowler.
5 (4) Usually red-yellow, black lines on the elj'tra complete to the base.
Thorax at least three times as broad as long, more strongly narrowed
in front confinis, Steph.
6 (1) Elji:ra with regular rows of deep puuctiu-es.
7 (16) Base of thorax without a longitudinal impression on each side
opposite the fourth row of elytral punctiu-es.
8 (15) A row of large punctures across the base of the thorax.
9 (12) Elytra without dark markings. Front edge of thorax not roundly
produced in the middle.
10 (11) Head large, more than half as wide as the base of the thorax. Body
subelliptic with parallel sides. Front edge of thorax biconcave,
produced into a slight angle in the middle nnicronatus, Steph.
11 (10) Head moderate, less than half as wide as the base of the thorax.
Body widest before middle of elytra. Front edge of thorax not
prodiiced in the middle Jlavicullis, Stiu-m.
12 (9) Elytra with dark spots. Front edge of thorax sinuate, slightly
roundly produced in the middle.
13 (14) Elytra with the sixttu-e and a variable niunber of oblong spots which
are situate on the interstices and do not, any of them, touch the
suture, blackish. Sides of thorax straight .fulvus, Fabr.
14 (13) Elyti-a with the svitm-e and a variable mmiber of irregidar spots
whicli are not markedly oblong, and some of \\liich touch the
suture, blackish. Sides of thorax distinctly convex...
i'« rierja t its, Stiu'm.
15 (8) Punctures on the base of the thorax but little larger than those
across the apex. Sides of thorax straiglit and fomiing a distinct
angle with the outline of the elytra. The latter with more or less
interrupted dark lines laminatus, Schall.
A 2
4 [January,
16 (7) Base of thorax with a longitudinal impi-ession on each side opposite
the fovirth row of elytral punctures.
17 (30) Head, in greater part, pale. Thoracic impression not falcate nor
reaching the half-lengtli of the thorax. Metasternum simple. .
18 (25) Elytra with tlie dark lines 1 — 4 unequal in width distinctly widened
on the disc, 5 — 7 interrupted at the base, in the middle, and at the
apex, and often confluent.
19 (24) Thorax apparently more than twice as broad as long, the sides strongly
convergent in front. Elytra evidently widest before the middle.
20 (23) Elytral interstices in the female, wholly or in part, with an extremely
fine irrorate pixnctulation.
21 (22) Elytral interstices in the female punctulate throughout. Usvially a
little larger than hcydeni and much less rapidly narrowed behind.
Inner claw on front tarsi of male about two-thirds as long as the
outer, wider and moi-e strongly curved ruficollis, De Geer.
22 (21) Elytral interstices in the female punctulate across the apex and some-
times along the distal half of the suture. Simihir to ruficollis, but
scarcely so wide at the shoulders and more gradually narrowed
behind, dark red-yellow in colour with the black markings on the
elytra more pronounced .fulvicollis, Er.
23 (20) Elytral interstices in the female without punctulation. Generally
smaller than ruficollis, comparatively wider at the shoulders and
more rapidly narrowed behind. Claws on front tarsi of male sub-
similar heydeni, Wehncke.
24 (19) Thorax not more than twice as broad as long, the sides moderately
convergent in front. Elytra widest in the middle, with an oblique
pale band from the shoulder to the suture, followed by another
oblique band of approximately eqxxal width bxxt composed of short,
black longitudinal lines fluviatilis, Aube.
25 (18) Elytra with the dark lines 1 — 4 of uniform width throughout, 5 — 7
less decidedly, or not at all, internxpted.
26 (27) Sides of elytra xxsxxally sxxbparallel, as in H lincatocollis. Elytral
interstices of female pxxnctxxlate throxxghoxxt. Left side-lobe of
cedeagxxs sxxbfalcate, withoxxt a fringe on its concave edge....
striatus, Shai'p.
27 (26) Sides of elytra continxxoixsly cxxrved.
28 (29) Elytral interstices of female pxxnctxxlate on the apical half, the
pxxxictxxlation liecoming gi-adxxally evanescent aboxxt the nxiddle.
Left side-lobe of ajdoagxxs with a fringe of long, more or less
coherent, hair-like strips of delicate membrane oix tlxe distal half of
its concave edge. Jildeagxxs obtxxsely roxxnded at tlie aj^ex with a
subrectangxxlar projection near the apical third of its convex edge...
tvehnckei, Gerh.
1911.] 5
29 (28) Elytral interstices of female without punctulation. Left side-lobe
of ffidoag-us with a large triangular tooth near the middle of its
concave edge. iEJdeagus narrowly pointed, its convex edge a little
subangularly dilated near the middle immaculatus, Gerh.
30 (17) Head black or blackish. Thoracic impression falcate reaching at least
to the lialf-length of the thorax. Metasternum with two straight,
divergent keels lineatocollis, Marsh.
I have been influenced iii luy decision to regard all the above as
separate species by the following- considerations. Wliilst it may
reasonably be doubted whether any universally acceptable definition
of the term species exists, it is certain that in practice the majority of
naturalists at the present day use this term in the Linnaean sense,
a conception essentially based on the idea of common descent or
family relationship. Under these circumstances it appears desirable
to use the term variety, which at present cannot be said to have any
definite signification, also in the Linnseau sense, i.e., as relating to
something within the species. To take a concrete example : —
H. heydeni is usually put as a variety of ruficollis ; but, having
regard to the characters which heydeni exhibits, is it consistent with
human experience to suppose that amongst the offspring of ruficollis
parents some will be rufieoUis and some heydeni f If it is not, then
heydeni comes within the Linnsean idea of a species and should be
treated accordingly. Halipli do not acqviire their full colouring for
some time after they have reached the imago state, and this circum-
stance, which is particularly noticeable in autumn-caught specimens, is
apt to lead to errors of determination if coloiu- and pattern be unduly
relied on.
ff. ohliquus, Fabr. — I have taken this species not uncommonly in
the Norwich district ; in the Cotswold district it is very common. The
black markings on the elytra vary considerably by way of exaggeration
and reduction.
H. yaUens, Fowler {H. confinis var. fallens, Fowler, Col. Brit.
Isl., i, 153). — This species has the ground-colour of the same pale
yellow as ohliqtms, from which it differs in the possession of a longi-
tudinal impression, bounded outwardly by a distinct ridge, on the base
of the thorax opposite the fourth row of elytral punctures. The black
markings on the elytra somewhat resemble those of ohliqmis at first
sight, but the four inner lines are not widely interrupted liehind the
middle as in ohliquus ; the suture and base of elytra are narrowly
6 . [Januarj-,
hlaclv. From cnvfivis it differs in its paler colour and narrower body,
tlae thorax is lon^-er in proportion to its width, and the pattern on the
elytra is qnit-e different. Fowler's illustration (PL 23, tig-. 4) is not
charactei'istic, the body is far too much narrowed in front. I have
seen five examples of this, all identical in colour, contour, and
markings ; a ^ and ? from Dr. Sliarp ex coll. McNab, which
according to a record in the Irish National Museum, where McNab's
collection w^ent, were received by him from Andrew Mui'ray in 18G1 ;
a (^ and ? ex coll. Walker, and a $ kindly given to me by Mr.
E. A. Waterhouse ; the three last-named specimens having come
from G. E. Waterhouse's collection. Dr. Sharp thinks it likely
that the McNab examples, like Power's, came from Loch Leven.
Whether this insect is the same as that described by Bold (Ent. Mo.
Mag., iv, 284) as H. varms, Nicolai, cannot now be satisfactorily
determined ; but, except as affecting a detail of local distribution, the
circmnstance is quite immaterial. Dr. Eowler had not seen Bold's
specimens and conser^iently could merely state his belief that the
insects in Dr. Power's and Dr. Sharj^'s collections under var. varms
were identical with Bold's varius. E. C. Rye, to whom Bold had sent
specimens, recorded his inability to consider them anything but con-
finis, var. I have seen two specimens now in Bold's collection and
bearing a blue ticket on which is writteu varius, in handwriting said to
be his ; these are quite ordinary specimens of confinis, and I am assured
by the present custodian of the collection, Mr. E. Leonard Gill,
M.Sc, of the Hancoclc Museum, Newcastle-on-Tyne, that he has no
reason to doubt that these are the specimens which Bold intended to
represent his H. varius. I am informed by Mr. E. A. Waterhouse
that his father had a number of H. 2)alJens, all of which he believes
came from Bold.
H. confinis, Steph. — In my experience this species vai'ies very
little. I have seen ex coll. Champion a specimen from Fleet, Hants,
whicli resembles ixdJeus in groiuid-colour and to a limited extent in
shape, but the proportions of the thoi'ax and the pattern on the elytra
are those proper to coufinis.
H. mucronatus, Steph. — I do not know this species in life ;
amongst other specimens from recorded localities, I have seen, ex coll.
Chanipion, one from Southsea, Hants. Mr. Cliampion lias also taken
it at Cuenca, Spain.
H. fiavicoUis, Sturm, — Very common in hill-jxmds in the Cotswold
district. I have never seen a sjjecimen with any trace of the two dark
1911.] 7
spots on the middle of the elytra which are said to occur sometimes
in this species.
H. fulvus, Fabr. — I have taken this species at St. Faith's, Hors-
ford, Horning, and Brandon, in Norfolk ; it has not been recorded
from Grloucestershire.
H. variegatus, Sturm. — This I have taken in Eanworth and
Brandon in Norfolk, as well as at Wicken.
H. laminat'us, Schall. (cinerens, Aube). — In elytral pattern this
species resemhles fliiviatilis, from which it differs in the more decided
angle at the junction of the outline of the thorax and elytra as seen
from above (not from the side as Fowler has it). The male characters
are very distinctive ; the claws on the front tarsi are very similar ; on
the middle tarsi the basal joint is produced at the apex beneath into
a shovel- shaped process which reaches the base of the third joint, the
second and third joints are very short, the two together not exceeding
the fourth joint in length. The species is not uncommon in hill-ponds
in the Cotswold district. In coll. Champion is a specimen from
Sandown, I. W., in which the femora, the upper-side of the head
from the haK-length of the eyes forward, and the upper-side of the
foui' basal joints of the antennae are piceous ; the tibiae and tarsi also
are darker than usual.
H. mficolUs, De Geer. — Of this abundant species I have seen
specimens from various localities ranging from Rannoch to the New
Forest.
H. fulvicollis, Er. — Similar to H. ruficoUis, but scarcely so wide
at the shoulders and more gradually narrowed behind, the ground
colour dark red-yellow (fulvous), the black markings on the elytra
more pronounced, and the punctulation of the elytra in the females
confined to the apex and the distal half of the suture. The prosternum
is sparingly and coarsely punctured, grooved down the middle of the
front half, flat behind. Morden, Surrey, the original Acylophorus lo-
cality, Sept. 23rd, 1864; Cambridge, Sept. 13th, 1868 (Dr. Sharp);
Isle of Sheppey, Nov. 2nd, 1873 (J. J. Walker). The English speci-
mens, which are all females, agree with H. fulvicollis from Eisleben,
received from Herr Schulz of Hamburg ; from which circumstance
I conclude that the small amount of punctulation on the elytra
of the females was overlooked by Grerhardt and Wehncke, who
speak of the elytra as witliout punctulation. Through the kind-
ness of Mr. Champion I have also examined a female from Italy
g [January,
sent l")y Herr Ganglbaiier iindpr the name of H. fiiJviroUis ; on
the npper-side this agrees mth the female from Eisleben, save that
the elytra are absolutely without pnnctulation, bnt the prosternnm is
flat and smooth with distinct raised side-margins which are separated
from the disc by an impressed line, and the specimen therefore doubt-
less belongs to H. fnrcafns, Seidl., which G-anglbauer puts as a variety
of fnlvicoUis, Er. The genitalia of the Eisleben male are similar to
those of rnficoUis. One reads of H. fvlvicoJlis, Er., that the markings
on the elytra are similar to those of variegatus, but in the specimens
seen by me they are, though more pronounced, of exactly the same
character as in niJirolJis, and not independent dark spots such as one
finds in variegatus.
H. heydevi, Wehncke (ruficollis pars, Newbery, sec. spec. comm.). —
Of this very distinct and easily recognised species I have seen speci-
mens from Holme Bush, Brighton, New Forest, Stony Stratford, and
Leicester, in Dr. Sharp's collection, from Hampstead ex coll. Newbery,
and from Lee, in coll. Champion. It is very abundant in hill-ponds
in the Cotswold district, and I have taken it at Horning. I believe
that it is generally distributed, but passed over by collectors as small
ruficollis. [ have not met with H. multipnnctatns, Wehncke, from
North Germany, which its author distinguishes from rnficoUis by its
broader form, stronger rows of elytral punctures, a transverse impres-
sion on the base of the thorax, and the smooth elytra of the female.
Seidlitz separates this from heydeni by the thoracic impression straight
and sharply define<l on the inner as well as the outer side, the cliannel
of the prosternuni deep and smooth continued throughout its entire
length, and the very broad form, the elytra being only a little longer
than broad, and says that it is very rare in Grermany.
H. flnviatilis, Aube. — I have taken this species' commonly both in
Norfolk and in the Cotswold district, quite as frecjuently in ponds as
in streams. The tlioracic impression is a small olilong-oval pit about
one- fifth as long as the thorax, and is sometimes reduced to a mere
puncture. The females of tliis species exhibit the elytral puuctulation
very clearly, the surface in some examples being appreciably dull.
Some specimens are much less regularly elliptic than others. Corstor-
phine Hills, 17.7.65 (D. Sharp) ■ Holy Island, Northumberland, 12.8.73
{J. J. WalJcer) . There is in coll. Champion a quite ordinary male of
this species from Pomerania sent by Reitter as H. immaculatus, Gerh.
H. striatns, Sharp. — Besides a number of tlie original specimens
from near Dumfries I have seen three females from Hartlepool ex coll.
1911.] 9
Joy. The Cat. Col. Eur., 1906, has drlafas, Wehncke, from Sweden,
Finland, and North Germany, regardless of the fact that Wehncke
(Deutsche Ent. Zeitschr., xxiv, 223, 224, 1880) considered that he was
dealing with driafvs, Sharp, from Scotland, which, however, he puts
in a section characterised by an even prosternum, whilst the prostemum
of our insect is distinctly grooved. Everts (Col. Neerl., i. 111, note)
says that striatus, Sharp, and imtnaculatus, G-erh., are synonyms, but
as he describes the elytra of the female as entirely smooth it is clear
that he did not know our insect. The diagram of the male genitalia
of this spec'ies is based on a specimen taken by Dr. Sharp on the shore,
Kirkconnell, Dumfries, August 26th, 1868.
H. wehnckei, Gerh. (immaculatus, Newbery, sec. spec comm.). —
To this species belong the specimens from Bury St. Edmimd's on which
Mr. Newbery introduced immaculatus, Gerh. It is very common in
hill-ponds in the Cotswold district, and I have taken it at Whitwell
Common, Felthorpe, and Brundall in Norfolk. There are two speci-
mens without locality in Dr. Sharp's collection. Specimens which
have not acquired their full colour might be mistaken for fluviaHlis.
The diagram of the male genitalia of this species is based on a
specimen from Bury St. Edmund's, dissected by Dr. Joy.
H. immaculatus, Gerh., nee Newbery (I.e.). — I have seen this
species from Stony Stratford (D. Sharp) ; Braunton (Champion, Be la
Garde) ; Colwall (Tomlin) ; Campbeltown, Isle of Sheppey, Deal (/. /.
Walker) ; Sandown, I. W., Lee, Kent (Champion) ; and have taken it
near Norwich myself. It is not easy to distinguish with certainty
between males of this species and the same sex of wehnchei without
reference to the genitalia, but there is a tendency in immacnlatus for
the elytral punctures forming the apex of the ninth row to become
merged in a black marking ; this tendency is absent in ujehnckei so far
as I have observed. This circumstance is not altogether trivial ; by its
means I have several times been able to accurately determine before-
hand what form of genitalia a given specimen would exhibit. The
females, of course, present no difficulty. British specimens agree
with a female form from Herr Ganglbauer labelled " immaculutns,
Gerh. Type, Liegnitz."
H. lineatocollis, Marsh. — This ubiquitous species I have taken in
streams swift enough to accommodate Brychius elevatus as well as in
ponds. In coll. De la Garde there is an entirely pale specimen only
25 mm. long.
10
[January,
a yCdfagu* b Tight sidii-lobv c Ujt ditto
Colesborne, Cheltenliani :
November, 1910.
TWO SPECIES OF COLEOPTERA NEW TO SCIENCE.
BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.K.C.S., F.E.S.
ThINOBIUS BICOLOR, Sp. 710V.
Closely resembles T. linearis, Kv., bixt differs from it in its distinctly
broader and less parallel form, conspicuously longer antennte, more transverse
thorax, and more distinct posterior angles of the same, longer and broader
mi.] 11
elytra, and finer pnnctnation of the upper parts. Head and thorax fiiscous, or
dark reddish-brown, elytra testaceous, hind body dark fnscovis, npi^ei- surface
clothed with very fine pubescence ; head transverse, very slightly broader than
thorax in (J , about as broad in 9 , slightly widened towards the base, with two
distinct furrows in front and two shallow foveie behind these, very finely and
closely pimctujed ; antennae testaceous, long', reaching to the apical third of the
elytra, 1st and 2nd joints long, 3rd shorter, the 2nd much longer than broad,
4th and 5th slightly longer than broad, 6th and 8th about as long as broad,
9th and 10th considerably broader than 8th, about as long as broad, last joint
very slightly broader and one-third longer than penultimate ; thorax trans-
verse, distinctly narrower than elytra, slightly contracted behind, posterior
angles traceable, very finely and closely punctured, shining ; elytra rather long,
about twice as long as thorax, somewhat dull, very finely and closely punc-
tured ; hind body rather broad, more distinctly and less closely punctured than
thorax and elytra ; legs testaceous, tibiae strongly widened in the centre.
Length, 1-7 mm.
The broader and less parallel form and longer antennse give this
species a distinctive appearance from T. linearis, from which it differs
in other respects than those given above in having the head relatively
broader and the fovea on each side of the vertex more distinct ; the
elytra of a lighter testaceous colour (especially w^hen the insect is
alive) and broader in proportion to the thorax, and the legs more
robust.
I took three specimens of T. bicolor on the banks of the River
Truim at Dalwhinnie, Inverness- shire, on May 1st, 1910. They
occurred in company with Atheta fragilis, Kr., under one or two large
stones at the edge of the water, which, two days before, had been
completely submerged.
Anisotoma davidiana, sj). nov.
Allied to A. chibia, Kugel., but broader and more convex, the antennae
shorter, the head more strongly punctiired, the thorax broadest at the l)ase
the scutelluni much larger, and the striae of the elytra more finely and closely
punctured, the third distinctly sinuate in the centre. Oval, strongly convex,
ferruginoiis, head and thorax darker, often fuscous ; head rather strongly
punctured, four larger punctures on foi'ehead indistinct, or merged into one on
each side of the middle line ; antenna; rather short, testaceous, with the club
fuscous, the latter rather narrow, with the last joint about as broad as tlie
penultimate ; thorax broadest at the base, posterior angles blunt, base trun-
cate, finely and moderately diffusely pimctured ; scutellum large, thickly and
strongly punctured ; elytra rather short, rounded at the sides, striae with fine
and very closely set piuictures, third stria distinctly sinuate outwards in the
middle, fourth stria sometimes very slightly sinuak", first stria not reaching
the Ijase, but ending at the side of the scutelliuu about | to > from its base,
interstices distinctly and not very finely punctured ; legs testaceous, tibiae
12 (January,
strongly widened towards apex. J . Posterior femora furnished at apex with
a small ]>lunt tooth ; posterior tibise very feebly ])isinnate, rather strongly
curved inwards at apex. Length, 2'3 — 3 mm.
In A. dubia the thorax is distinctly narrowed before the base ;
the scntelhini is much smaller than in A davidiana, and the first stria
reaches the base of the elytra at some distance from the scntellum.
The third stria is sometimes very slightly sinuate. In the shape of
the thorax A. davidiana resembles A. scita and A. ovalis. A. scita has
longer antenna?, a smaller scutellum, much less closely punctured striae,
and the 3rd-5th strioe strongly sinuate. A. ovalis is rather more
elongate, and has much longer antennse, the third stria of the elytra
straight, and the interstices more finely punctured. It, however, agrees
with A. davidiana in having a large scutellum, and the first stria
ending at its side.
A. davidiana is probably fairly generally distributed in England.
I have seen it from Southport, Deal, and near Llancillo. It is curioxis
that such a very distinct species should have so long been confoiuided
with A. dubia. Some species of Coleoptera get a reputation for being
" very variable," and so no one seriously tries to separate the various
forms, several of which may be perfectly good species. It may be
that A. davidiana is identical with the var. bicolor, Scliaum, of
A. dnbia, but it is impossible from the description of this form to
decide if this is the case.
Bradfield: November dth, 1910.
ALGERIAN 3IICR0LE PI DOPTE RA.
BY THE RIGHT HON. LORD WALSINGHAM, M.A., LL.U., RR.S., &c
( Continued from Vol. XLIII, p. 195).
GELECHIADAE.
303- 1. LITA Tr.
2700' 1. LiTA GECKO, sp. u.
Antennae white, with distinct black annulations. Palpi white, with two
black rings on the terminal joint, one at the base the other before the apex.
Head and Thorax white, the latter sprinkli>d with black scales. Forewings
white, sprinkled with black scales which are assembled in a redujjlicated sjjot
close to the base, a spot on the fold a little beyond it, a costal spot at one-
fourth attenuated downward to the fold, an indistinct shade-band across the
middle, not reaching the dorsum, and beyond this a profuse sprinkling along
the costa and around the apex and termen, also through the hoary white cilia ;
1911., 13
in a small spot at the apex are a few f erriif^-iin >iis scales and two larger ferrugi-
nous spots are found, one before and one beyond the middle, the first slightly
crossing the fold, the second at the end of the cell, these are both somewhat
sprinkled with black. Exj). al. 8-11 mm. Hindwings silvery bluish white ;
cilia very pale brownish cinereous. Abdomen ochreous at the base and on the
anal segment, with a broad pale greyish band between. Legs white, with
narrow black tarsal annulations.
Tijjje c? (96535) ; ? (96150) Mus. Wlsm., b.m.*
Hah.: Algeria: Biskra, 1-21. IV. 1903 (l^?sm.) ; Hammam-es-Salahin,
2-23.IV.1904, © Anabasis articidata, 27.XII — 30.1.1904 (Wlsm.).
Thii'ty-six specimeiis.
The larva miiies the leadiug articulations of Anabasis articidata : it is
of a reddish white colour, with pink bands across the meso- and meta-
nota, reproduced more faintly on the adjacent abdominal segments ;
the head is pale brown, and there is no visible pronotal plate.
GeJechia gecko and parviindex are extremely close to each other, and
I have bred both from Anabasis articidata, failing to notice that there
were two distinct larvae, for they cannot of course be confused with
the Scythris larva which spins its slender webs among the shoots. It
is of course possible that the one lai-va which produced parvijndex in
my three bottles of Anabasis may have been accidentally introduced.
The palpi of gecko have the terminal joint somewhat shorter and
stouter than that of parviindex, and with two distinct black annula-
tions, whereas in parvipulex the terminal joint is more slender and
acuminate, with but one distinct annulation, moreover, the costal
streak at one-fourth from the base is invariably oblique in parvijndex,
and usually reverting upward at its apex to a semidetached spot a
little beyond it. In gecko, on the contrary, this streak is much more
erect, not reverting upward at its apex, although sometimes partially
blending with a brownish spot outside its lower extremity. The an-
tennae are also somewhat more distinctly annulated in gecko and the
average size is a little larger, the whole insect having a greyer and
more powdery appearance.
2700'2. LiTA PARVIPULEX, sp. n.
Antennae brown, with whitish ochreoiis annulations. Palpi creamy white.
Head and Thorax creamy whitish. Forewings shoi't, lanceolate, subacute;
creamy white, specked and s^jotted with dark luuber-brown ; there is a group
of three spots forming a triangle at the base, two at half the wing-width,
and a third, forming the apex, on the costa at about one-fourth ; an oblique
The Walsiiigliam Collections were transferred to the British Museum, April 1st, 1910. —
Jno. Hartley Durrant.
14 [January,
streak, apparently composed of two or more dark spots, descends obliqiiely
outward from the costa, reaching to tlie fold ; scarcely separated from its outer
ed^e is another spot on the disc before the middle, and remote from this is
another at the end of the cell, the costa being slightly shaded with umber-
brown speckling above and before it ; at the apex and along the termen is a
shade of profuse umber-brown speckling, extending partially into the brownish
grey cilia which become whitish about the apex. Exp. al. 8-11 mm. Hind-
ivings pale blue grey ; cilia brownish gTey. Abdomen brownish fuscous, paler
at its base and apex. Legs creamy whitish, the tarsi with one or two dark
spots.
Tyjje ? (96483) ; c? (96346) El-Kantara, Mus. Wlsm., b.m.
Hah.: Algeria: Biskra, 27.III— 5.IV.1894 {Eaton), 28.11— ll.IV.
1903 {Whin.); Haminam-es-Salahin, 5. Ill — 13.1V. 1904, © Anabasis
articulata, 10.11, ex. 12.1V.1904 {Whm.) ; El-Kantara, 10-20.V.1903
{Wlsm.). Thirty-eiglit specimens.
HYPONOMEUTIDAE.
2751. GALACTICA, gn. n.
{yaXaKT'-Ko^ = milk-white).
Type : GrALACTICA CARADJAE, Wlsm.
Antennae ^, simple ; basal joint with rather fugitive pecten. Labial Palpi
very short, projecting ; terminal joint shorter than median. Maxillary Palpi
obsolete. Haustellum long, naked. Eyes large. Head small, smooth. Thorax
smooth. Forcwings rather short, with slightly rounded costa, obtuse apex and
oblique, not sinuate termen : neuration 12 veins ; 7-8 short-stalked, or connate,
7 to termen ; 2 from near angle of cell ; 4—5 closely approximate at base, rest
separate ; internal radial from between 11 and 10 to between 6 and 7, media
from between 5 and 6 to near base ; a costal stigma from 12 to 10. Hindwings
1, narrowing outwardly, apex rounded, tornus obsolete ; with a slight, short,
fenestrum at base below cell ; cilia A : neuration 8 veins ; 3-4 stalked from the
pointed lower extremity of the cell, which thence recedes rapidly to internal
radial immediately below 7, leaving 6 mixch shorter than 7 owing to the
extreme obliquity of the discoidal ; (j-7 separate, remote. Abdome7i rather
stout. Legs -. hind tibiae not hairy.
Most nearly allied to Galantica. Z., but without the long clothing of
the head, and the basal joint of the antennae has only a fugitive
pecten instead of a strong tuft ; the palpi also are shorter, and veins
p^Y : 7-8 are short- stalked, or connate, not separate ; but Galantica
may eventually present some variation in this respect. Scythropia
Hb. differs in having the veins of the forewings more evenly separate,
and HW : 3-4 are separate, not stalked as in Galantica and Galactica.
All three genera agree in the shape of the cell in the hindwings, and
in the presence of a costal stigma in the forewings.
mi.] 15
2345"1. Galactica caraujae, sp. n.
Antennae white. Palpi dirty white. Head and Thorax greyish white.
Forewings greyish white, with a slight rosy tinge at some angles, veiy sparsely
sprinkled with black scales, a pateli of these resting on the middle of the fold,
and a smaller patch a little before its outer extremity ; the black scales are
distributed very sparsely along the costa, chiefly towards the base, on either
side of the fold before the black plical patch, and again between this and tlie
smaller patch beyond it, some reaching as far as the end of the cell ; there are
also a few along the extreme termen, but not at the apex or tornus ; cilia
greyish white. Exp. al. 13 mm. Hindwings shining, silvery white, with a
slight greyish tinge ; cilia concolorons. Abdomen greyish. Legs white.
Type ? (97923) Mus. Wlsm., b.m. [PT. (3984 Wlsm. Det.) Mus.
Caradja].
Hab.: Algeria: Biskra, 15.IV.1904 (Wtsm.), 1902 (Korb). Three
specimens.
(To he continued).
Coleoptera in the Plymouth District. — During the past autmnn the following
noteworthy species of Coleoptera have occiu-red to me in the Plymouth district.
Unfortunately the captures for the most part are of single specimens only, and
continued search at the time, subsequent visits to the localities, and even
attempts at trapping, all failed to obtain further examples. Species with an
asterisk are new records for the covxnty. Amara consularis, Duft. (one), on
path, Tavy Valley ; *Ilyhius aenescens. Thorns, (one), Shaugh, Dartmoor ;
Rhantus pulverosus, Steph. (one), Shaugh — not taken by me previously for
twenty yeai'S, the marsh at Tothill where it used to occur having been long
since filled in for town improvements ; Hydroporus melanarius, Stnrm (one),
Shaugh ; H. marginatus, Dnit. (one), Tavy Valley. Perhaps I could have taken
more of this species if I had recognised it, but it was taken at dusk just before
leaving to catch the train for home. Philonthus corruscus, Grav. (one), in
carrion trap, near Horrabridge Station ; *P. thermarum, Aube (four), cut grass,
Yelverton ; *Homalium exiguum, Gyll. (one), and *Aphodius coiisputns, Cr, (one)
dead rabbit, Tavy Valley; Cryptophagus bicolor, Sturm (one), and *Monotoma
longicollis, Gyll. (in some numbers), in cut grass, Yelverton.
I have also to record a few older captui-es, as follows .—July, 1897, * Philon-
thus splendidulus, Grav. (one), running on the pavement ; March, 1900, *Mono-
toma hrevicollis, Aube (two), in manure heap, Lipson Marsh — locality now
absorbed for town improvements ; July, 1902, *Apion schonherri. Boh. (one),
Bovisand ; May, 1909, *Choleva coracina, Kelln. (several). Awns and Dendles ;
Sept., *Lim7iius rivularis, Kosenh. (two), in the Avon, above S. Brent, Dart-
moor ; June, 1910, Ceuthorrhynchus parvulus, Bris. (eleven), near Kingsand
(Cornwall). As usual, I am indebted to Mr. E. A, Newbery for kindly looking
at some of the species for me. — James H. Keys, 2, Freedom Park Villas,
Plymouth : November, 1910.
\Q [January,
Cryptophagus foivlcri, Joy, from France. — Captain Deville has sent me
a Crytophagus which he suggested might be C. fowlcri. This it nndoubtedly
is. It was taken in the Forest of Haute Seve, near Fougeres, on a felled oak. —
Norman H. Jot, Bradfield, Berks : November 10th, 1910.
Cryptophagus fowleri, Joy, at Oxford. — On i-eading Dr. Joy's paper on
Cryptophagus fowleri, p. 205, Ent. Mo. Mag., it occurred to me that I had
sevei'al specimens of an unnamed Cryptophagus that might possibly be the new
species. Having tried them with the description of C. fowleri and in com-
parison with the allied forms, I thought they agreed so well with Mr. Joy's
new species that I would ask him to examine them for me This he very
kindly did, and returned them all (4 specimens) as his C. fowleri. Of these I
got one in dry touch-wood in a dead elm at Water Eaton, Oxon, l.xi.09; one in
wood refuse under a dead hedge at Enslow Bridge, Oxon, 4.vi.l0 ; one from
Weston-on-the-Green, 24.iv.10; and a specimen from Wytham, Berks, ll.x.08 ;
the last two were probably swept. From the occurrence of C. fowleri in four
different localities, miles apart, in tlie Oxford district, it is apparently fairly
widely distributed. — J. Collins, Oxford University Museum : Nov. \Sth, 1910.
Note on the Meloid-gcnus Hornia, Riley, and its allies. — My friend, Manuel
Martinez de la Escalera, during a visit to Horsell last week, showed me two living
examples of a remarkable Sitarid he had just bred from pupaj found in the
cells of an Anthophora in walls at Mogador, Morocco. This insect has recently
been described by him as a new genus and species under the name Allendesa-
lazaria nymphoides (Boletin Soc. Espaii. Hist. Nat., 1910, pp. 379 — 382), but he
was apparently unawai'e of the fact that there were two extremely closely allied
known American forms. One of these latter, Hornia minutipennis, Eiley, from
Missouri, has simple tarsal claws, the other, Leonid Hleyi, Duges, from Mexico,
has the tarsal claws armed with a veiy long tooth, and both insects also attack
Anthophora. Allendesalazaria has the tarsal claws formed as in Hornia, and
there can be little doubt that these two genera must he. very closely related.*
The American insects have been very fully described and figvired, and their
habits noted in detail by Eiley f and Duges + respectively. Duges placed them
under a separate section (Horniides) of the Meloida^, mainly on account
of their minute elytra, and this arrangement was adopted by me when dealing
with the Mexican forms (Biol. Centr.-Am., Coleopt., iv, 2, p. 370). The two
genera, however, are very nearly related to Sitaris, which also attacks Antho-
phora. The American and Moroccan insects are recorded as having been found
upon walls in the vicinity of the nests of these mason-bees, after the manner
* Since tlii.s note has been in type M. Escalera writes me as follow.s : Allendesalazaria is valid,
and may be sejiarated from Hornia by the following characters : —
Scutelhim eordiform ; wings one-fifth .shorter than the elytia ; antennse short (in the $ a
little longer than the head, in the <J as long as the head and thorax together), the third joint
longer than the others Hornia, Riley.
Scutellum transverse ; wings wanting ; antennae longer (in the ? reaching the posterior
border of the prothorax, in the S extending considerably beyond it), the third joint not longer
than the others Allendesalazaria, Esc.
t Trans. Acad. St. Louis, iii, pi. 564, t. 5, figs. 13, o— t?(lS77).
} Insect Life, i, no. 7, pp. 211—213, figs. 47, &— /"(1889J.
1911.] 17
of ovii- own Sitaris muralis. According to M. Escalfra, tho female of .1. nym-
phoides does not leave tlie gallery of the bee. It would be interesting to com-
pare Hornia minutipennis Avith the Moroccan A. nymphoidcs, but vmfortunately
this is not possible. I saw a co-type of Leonia in Paris many years ago, in the
collection of A. Salle. Hornia is known to me from description alone. —
G. C. Champion, Horsell, Woking : December, 1910.
Telephorus thoraci(ms, Oliv.,var. suturalis, Schilsky, at Gosport and Woking. —
Mr. C. J. C. Pool recently sent me a variety of T. thoracicns from Gosport for
determination. It is tho form described by Kiesenwetter (Nat. Ins. Deutschl.
iv, p. 502) with a clear splash at the sutiu-e, which broadens at the base and
does not quite reach the apex, subsequently named var. sitUiralis by Schilsky
(Deutsche ent. Zeitschr., 1890, p. 178), the latter having the yellow coloration
a little more extended and more sharply defined. The var. discotestaceus of Pic
is the same form, but his var. thercsise has the elytra vmicolorous reddish-yellow
or dark at the apex only. In Mr. Pool's specimens, and in one I have taken at
Woking, the yellow coloration is mainly confined to a transverse patch at the
base of each elytron. This form is, I believe, not rare in Britain, though perhaps
not previously recorded in oiu* literature. — Id.
Dragon-flies breeding in rain-ivater collected at the leaf-bases of Bromeliads. —
Prof. P. P. Calvert, of Philadelphia, has just published an account of his
Zoological researches in Costa Eica [" Old Penn," Weekly Eeview of the
University of Pennsylvania, ix, no. 6, pp. 165 — 170, Nov. 12th, 1910], and his
description of the habits of certain Odonata is so interesting that we give an
extract from it, so far as concerns the genus Mecistogaster, the illustration
being, of course, omitted.
" It is among the larvae of the dragon-flies that our chief novelties are to be
found. There is a group of these insects, limited to tropical America, remark-
able for the length and slenderness of body and wings of the adults, the
abdomen being as much as fovu' and a half inches long and the spread of the
wing six or seven inches in some species. Nothing was known of the early
stages of this group, but Mr. 0. W. Barrett had suggested, in 1900, that
possibly the larvae lived in the water which is retained between the leaf-bases
of bromeliads, members of the pineapple family. Acting on this suggestion
and learning from a letter from Mr. F. Knab, of the United States National
Museum, that he had recently raised dragon-fly larvse from such a source in
Mexico, much time was spent, in examining these plants. On the moistei
Atlantic slope of Costa Eica, bromeliads are quite abundant, growing on the
branches and trunks of trees in the hedgerows around Cartago, in the cool
woods of moiui tains like Irazu, 11,000 feet above the sea, and in the warm
tropical forests of much lower elevation. Sometimes they are situated close
to the groivnd, often they are attached to an un).)ranched trunk 30 or 40 feet
from the soil, or may be lodged among the branches at a still greater height.
Their leaves, often two or more feet long, taper gradually to near the tip, are
toothed or spined on their straight edges, bright green or beautiful pink or red,
B
18 [January,
and spring from a very short stalk so that their bases are pressed closely
together. Between the leaf-bases rain water is usually present, and in all
localities various forms of animal life take refuge there. Cockroaches, earwigs,
katydid-like insects, larvse of beetles, of moths, of flies and of mosquitos, ants
with long jaws that snap together with an appreciable sound, snails, eartli-
worms, scorpions, both true and false, centipedes, and even snakes of poisonous
repute are common hromcliadicoli which we met in our examinations. The
length and tovighness of the leaves and their sharp spines made it necessary to
carry a heavy knife to investigate these plants properly. In October, 1909, we
were gladdened by the discovery of undoubted dragon-fly larva3, in a bromeliad
below Juan Vinas, which were carried carefully to Cartago and placed in jars
each containing a little water and a small bromeliad. We fed them with
' blood worms," the bright red yoixng of certain flies, readily obtained from a
dirty ditch near the town. The first lot of larvae died out in about two months,
but a second lot from nearly the same locality in December found oiir jars
sufficiently endiu'able to complete their growth and to transform into the
winged insects in early April. Two of them made tliis change about 8 o'clock
on two bright mornings, so that we could photograph them in the act, and one
of the illustrations herewith presented shows the fully expanded dragon-fly
(3Iecistogastcr modeshis) and the exuvia from which it has emei-ged. The
latter, and also the larva when within it, was four-fifths of an inch long, and
when the dragon-fly fu-st detached itself it likewise had the same length, but
in one and a half hours' expansion, due, some believe, to inspired and also
swallowed air, increased the length of its body to three and one-eighth inches,
and of each wing to two inches. The larva of Mecistogaster is not longer than
those of many other insects, but the adult is conspicuoiisly longer, and this
great increase in length is thiis a matter of a relatively short time at the
period of transformation."
The particular insect referred to, Mecistogaster modestus, as well as the
allied M. ornatus, Pseudostigma aherrans, and Megaloprepus coernlans, I have
often seen in the Central American forests, and it certainly never struck me
that any of them could have bred in the abundant Bromeliads overhead ! It
may be observed, moreover, that the late Julixis Flohr found many special
Staphylinidse amongst these plants on the branches of the trees in Mexico. — Id.
Monojjis weaverella, Scott : additional specimens. — After reading Mr. Bankes'
able paper on this Species (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1910, p. 221), I naturally examined
my specimens of M. rusticella. It may be just now of interest to note that
I fovurd eleven specimens of M. weaverella. These were labelled " sjjiJoieWa "
in a rather shaky handwriting, but unfortunately no locality-label was attached.
I obtained them when tlie collection of the late Mr. P. B. Mason was disposed
of. They may have come from two sources, as four of them have white pins
and seven black pins. I should be much obliged if any Entomologist who sent
" spilotella" to the late Mr. Mason would inform me of the fact. All these
specimens have veins 5 and 6 of the hind-wings stalked, and the finer examples
have an appearance quite distinct from that of M. rusticella. — Alfred Sich,
Corney House, Chiswick : October 24:th, 1910.
i
1911.1 in
Another Xylophasia zollikofcri, Frr., in Yorkshire. — Two (i;xys ago I received
for deteruiiuiition from Mr. John T. Wigin a large Noctua, which he took on
August 12th last, at Mtjthley, a village some seven miles east of Leeds and of
Wakefield. I saw at once that it was a good male specimen of Xyloijhasia
zolliko/eri of the same form as the Norwich example exhibited at the meeting
of the Entomological Society of London on October 5th last, but more strongly
marked than the previous Yorkshire example, which was taken at Middlesbrough
by Mr. T. A. Lofthouse in September, 1903. The date of Mr. Wigin's moth is
some five or six weeks earlier than that of any of the previous British captures,
which px-obably accounts for its being in better condition, so far as I remember,
than were any of the three specimens I have seen out of the four previous
captures in Britain. It shows, too, that the species mixst have a flight extending
over nearly two months. — Geo. T. Porritt, Elm Lea, Dalton, Huddersfield :
Decemher lOth, 1910.
Note on Halcsus guttatipennis, McL. — On the 4th of this month, when my
friend, Mr. William Evans, and I were walking along the banks of the River
Tyne near Ormiston in East Lothian, we found a niunber of Halesus g^dtati-
pennis — a new locality for this late autvimnal caddis-fly, and the second known
locality in the Forth area. Females wei'e present in the proportion of three to
one male. The only other Caddis-fly seen was Chmtopteryx villosn. Perlidas
were represented by numerous examples of Leuctra hlapalelci — both sexes.
Psocidse were not looked for, but a specimen of Elipsocus ahietis was beaten
from yew.
With regard to H. guttatipennis, the two Forth localities are quite widely
separated, and one cannot help thinking that the species is likely to prove of
very wide distribution, perhaps even more general than H. auricollis, and
that the usually late date of its appearance causes it to be overlooked,
Mr. Martin E. Mosely has just sent me an example from Dovedale, where it
occuiTed towards the end of last month in small nxunbers, mixed with the
, more abundant H. auricollis. It is, of course, well known from Yorkshire, and
is also recorded from Wilts and Gloucestershire. It may, however, be worthy
of mention that Mr. Mosely has sent me the species from several other localities
and at very different dates, namely, from the Itchen below Winchester in
October and December ; on the Lambourne at Newbury in October ; and on
the Test at Mottispont, near Romsey, in October, December, and January. —
K. J. Morton, 13, Blackford Road, Edinburgh : November 18th, 1910.
s^j A few more Irish Ichneumonidie. — Irish notes are so scanty in respect
to the Hymenoptera, that the following are certainly worthy of mention, in
addition to those I have already brought forward (c/. Ent. Mo. Mag., 1902,
p. 54; 1907, p. 159; 1908, p. 276; and Irish Nat., 1903, p. 68). These were
captured by Mr. J. N. Halbert, of the Dublin Museum, mostly on expeditions
organized by the Royal Irish Academy Fauna and Flora Committee. They are
all conspicuoiis insects, some of considerable rarity in England, though in tlie
present case found only in single examples. Protichneumon fuscipennis,
B2
20 [January,
Wesm., cj , Forth Hill, Co. Wexford, July, 1900. Ichneumon molitorius, Grav.,
$ , Santry, Demesne, Co. Dublin, February, 1903. Platylahus dimidiatus,
Grav., ? , Muckross, Co. Kerry, June, 1905. Glyphicnemis projiigator, Fab., ? ,
Woodford, Co. Galway, Aug'ust, 1901. Exolytus Isevigatus, Grav., Bog of Ring,
Co. Dublin, September, 1902. Crypttis tarsoleucus, Schr., <? , Ross, Co. Galway,
September, 1905. Meniscus nmrinus, Grav., 9 , Mangerton Mountain, Co. Kerry,
June, 1905. Exetastes cinctipes, Retz., 9 , Lambay Island, Co. Dublin, October,
1906. Prolarchus rufus, Grav., 9 , Lough Dan, Co. Wicklovv, September, 1908 ;
this is a parasite in Cimbkes cocoons, uncommon in Britain. Henicospilus rami-
dulus, Linn., 9, Kilcool, Co. Wicklow, July, 1897. Campoplex falcator, Thimb.,
9, Mangerton Mountain, Co. Kerry, Jime, 1905. Aphanistes {Anomalon) rufi-
cornis, Grav., g , Glandore, Co. Cork, June, 1900.
I may add that the known insect fauna of Ireland is likely to be greatly
auginented by recent visits from Irish, Scotch, and English entomologists in
connection with the concerted investigation into the Natural History of Clare
Island and the adjacent mainland of Mayo, the results of which will shortly
be published in the Trans. Royal Irish Academy. — Claude Moblet, Monks
Soham House, Siiffolk : October 26th, 1910.
Societies.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society : Meeting held at
the Royal Institution, Colquitt Street, Liverpool, October 17th, 1910.— Mr. F N.
Pierce, F.E.S., in the Chair.
The Opening Meeting of the session was devoted to exhibits of the season's
work.
Mr. T. Baxter, of St. Anne's, sent for exhibition a fine series of Luperina
guencei and its variety baxteri, and contributed a note in which ho pointed out
that both forms were represented in a perfectly fresh condition, and that the
view that the var. baxteri would become the typical gueneei with age must be
abandoned ; also an extraordinary asymmetrical ab. of Abraxas grossulariata
captured in his garden at St. Anne's. Mr. H. R. Sweeting, a long series of
Hydrwcia crinariensis captured this year near Londonderry ; the variation
appeared to be on exactly parallel lines with nictitans ; also the following
from Mold, N. Wales, viz. — Tgeniocampa gothica, including an asymmetrical
example, T. incerta, T. stabilis, Pachnobia ruhricosa, Noctua /estiva, N. bri(,nnea,
Apilecta 2»'asina and Boarmia repandata, including an example of var. 7iigra.
Mr. Wm. Mansbridge, a series of the very black Knowsley race of Boarmia
repandata, var. nigra, in which the siibmarginal pale line were abnost absent ;
also short series of the same insect from Bude and Delamere Forest ; Boarmia
gemmaria, black form from N. Kent ; pale forms from N. Devon, and var.
perfumaria from the Cotswolds ; a long series of Aplccta nebulosa var. robsoni,
var thompisoni, and grey forms from Delamere. Mr. Prince, a fine series of
Cidaria reticulata from Windermere, and a box of Oporabia filigrammaria
varying from nearly Avhite to very dark fuscous, from Derbyshire. Mr. E.
iflu.] 21
Tait, jiin., the following, mostly in long series, viz., Agrotis agathina, rosy form
fi'om N. Wales, Lithosia complana, Agrotis ripse, Epione apiciaria, Leucania
putrescens, Boarmia abietaria, Ellopia prosapiaria, from Pendine, S. Wales;
Arctia villica and Numeria pulveraria from Abbotts' Wood ; Tseniocampa munda
and Pachnobia leucographa from Lakeside, Windermere ; Tephrosia luridata
and Cymatophora fiuctiiosa from Wyre Forest ; Apatura iris bred fi'om Hunts'
larvae, and Phigalia pedaria, varying from pale to black, from Mansfield, Notts.
Mr. B. H. Crabtree, Tseniocampa mu7ida and T. gothica, a series of each, bred,
from Windermere ; a series of Charmas graminis taken at light at Seascale ;
Oporabia filigrammaria, a varied series from Kinderscotit, Derbyshire ; Biston
hirtaria from Aviemore larvae which had been in piipa for two years ; vars. of
Abraxas grossulariata from Huddersfield larvae. Mr. C. F. Johnson, Astero-
scopus nubeculosa and Nyssia lapponaria from two year old pupae from Eannoch ;
Pachnobia leucographa, P. rubricosa and Tseniocampa munda bred from Winder-
mere ; along and varied series of Oporabia filigrammaria irom l^i . Devhyshire ;
Boarmia repandata from N. Wales, N. Staffordshire, and Knowsley, Lanes. ; a
specimen of Abraxas grossulariata var. nigrosparsata bred, from Huddersfield.
The Rev. A. Miles Moss read a paper on the " Sphingidae of Pei-u," and
exhibited a magnificent collection of this group which he had made diiring the
course of a three years' residence in Lima. The paper was illvistrated by
a large niimber of beautiful water-colour di-awings of the larvae and food-plants
of most of the species exhibited, and dealt in a most interesting way with the
topography and climate of Peru as affecting the economy of the Sphingids and
other Lepidoptera, while passing allusions to the scenery and the difficulties of
rearing the larvae obtained on distant expeditions were much appreciated by the
members present. — H. R. Sweeting and Wm. Mansbridge, Hon. Secretaries.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, October 27h, 1910.— Mr. W. J. Kate, P.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. Ashdown exliibited examples of the various species of Lepidoptera met
with by him during a few weeks spent in Switzerland in July last, including
Apatura iris, Issoria lathonia, Melitsea phosbe, Limenitis Camilla, Erebia lappona,
Colias phicomone, Cupido osiris (sebrus), &c. Mr Newman, a living larva of
Polygonia c-album and a long series of 9 s of Ag Hades thetis (bellargus) from
Folkestone. Messrs. H. Moore, Sich, R. Adkin, and S. Edwards, numerous
teratological specimens of Lepidoptera to illustrate the remarks of Dr. Chapman
in his paper. Mr. South, series of (1) Coremia unidentaria bred from ova, and
read notes on the two main types produced ; (2) Acidalia aversata, bred from
ova, and gave an analysis of the banded and plain forms produced ; (3) Boarmia
gemmaria, bred from ova of v. perfumaria, the resultant imagines being all of
the varietal form ; (4) B. abietaria, specimens bred from New Forest larvae ;
(5) Pionea {Scapula) lutealis, a series from Dui'ham, white, strongly marked,
larger than southern examples ; and (6) light forms of Larentia didymata from
Weardale. Mr. Schooling, a var. of Arctia caja in which the fore-wing
markings were so aberrantly grouped and enlarged as to give no indication of
99 [January,
what the normal marking was. Dr. Chapman, a hirg-e nnmljer of teratological
specimens lent him by Mr. Tutt, Mr. Pickett, Dr. Hodgson, and others, to
illustrate the paper he subsequently read, entitled " Notes on Teratological
Specimens." — Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wediiesday, November 2nd, 1910. —
Dr. F. A. DixEY, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. H. E. Andi-ewes, of 8, North Grove, Highgate, N. ; Mr. J. R. Charnley,
of Lyndhurst, Fulwood, Preston ; Rev. Archibald Downes-Shaw, of Kettlestone
Rectory, Fakenham, Norfolk ; Mr. G. E. Frisby, of 40, Wincbnill Street,
Gravesend ; Mr. O. M. Schmidt Gottmans, of 2, Forest Vilhis, Whipps Cross
Road, Leytonstone, N.E. ; Mr. Ernest Purnell Jones, of 7, Nantwich Road,
Crewe ; and Count Emilio Turati, of 4, Piazza S. Alessandro, Milan ; were
elected Fellows of the Society.
Professor T. Hudson-Beare exhibited examples of the rare British beetle,
Pferostlchus aterrimus, recently taken by him at Stalham, Norfolk. Commander
J. J. Walker brought for exhibition the following rare Coleoptera -. — (a) a
specimen of Lathrohium lomjipenne, Fairm., a beetle recently introduced as a
British species, taken at Tubney, Berks, Jvily 29th, 1909 ; (b) a specimen of a
remarkable ants'-nest beetle from the Atherton district, N.S.W., described by
Mr. A. M. Lea under the name Tretothorax cleistostoma, and regarded by him
as representing a new family of Coleoptera, the Tretothoracidse ; also the ant,
Odontomachiis coriarius, Mayr, with which the beetle was found ; and two
specimens of Thomosis guanicola, Broun, a beetle allied to Sphieridium, &c.,
taken by Dr. L. Cockayne among penguin guano on the Bounty Islands, 490
miles south-east of New Zealand. Mr. J. le B. Tomlin also exhibited examples
of the following British Coleoptera -. (a) Macronyclius 4-tuherculatus, Miill.
recently re-discovered in tlie River Teme, and not taken in Britain for at least
40 years ; {h) Enicmus histrio, Joy and Tomlin, a new species described in the
November niunber of the Ent. Mo. Mag. ; (c) Laccobius regularis, Rey, from
small sphagnum pools at Newbury, introduced i-ecently by Dr. Sharp as
L. scutellaris, Mots., but now considered by him as more correctly named
regularis, Rey ; {d) Clonus longicollis, Bris., taken at Harewood Forest on
Verbascum thapsus on June 26th, 1909, the only previous captures in Britain
being by Mr. Moncreaff at Portsmouth in 1871 ; and (e) Bemhidium tibiale,
Duft., a melanic example taken this summer by the River Monnow. Mr.
Tomlin also exhibited, on behalf of Dr. David Sharp, examples of (f) Laccobius
ytenensis. Sharp, a new species also described in the cvirrent Ent. Mo. Mag. ;
and (g) Crepidodera impressa, Fab., a littoral species recently introduced to the
British List by Dr. Sharp from Hayling Island. Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, an
Asilid v/hich he had taken at Macugnaga in August with a dead ? Nomiades
semiargus in its mouth. Mr. H. St. J. Donisthorpe, a specimen of Claviger
longicornis, Miill., with its host Lasius umbratus, Nyl., taken by Father Schmitz
in Germany. He said this species should occur in Britain with the same ant,
and that Father Schmitz had told him that April was the best month in which
1911.] 23
to look for it in the nests of umhratus nndei- deeply embedded, heavy stones.
Dr. T. A. Chapman, a teratological example of Pterostoma palpina, one of a
number of similar specimens bred by Mr. L. W. Newman from one brood of
larvte, and which may be called as a varietal (or abeiTational ?) name, var.
brevipennis, and for comparison a specimen of Lihythea celtis with a shortened
wing. He also exhibited, on behalf of Rev. C. R. N. Buri-ows, a specimen of
malformation of the male appendages in Acronycta tridcns. Mr. H. M.
Edelsten, an example of Leucania l-album, bred by him. Mr. R. South, an
exceedingly interesting and rather variable series of Luperina gueneei, Double-
day, sent him by Mr. W. Yates, of St Anne's-on-Sea, who obtained them,
chiefly this year, on the Lancashire Coast ; also three of six specimens of Oria
(Synia) viusculosa, taken in the Salisbury district, in Atigtist, 1909, by Mr. H.
Haynes, who captured others in August of the present year. Mr. F. C. Oldaker,
a case containing various aberrant forms of Lcpidoptera, including a very dark
form of Argynnis aglaia, taken in Switzerland; (h) examples of Polygonia
c-album bred from ova, including one specimen, a ? , of a very pale form ;
(c) a series of Noclua ditrapeziuvi, including a form in which the ground-colour
of the fore-wings is almost uniform dark reddish-brown, the usual black
markings being only slightly darker than the rest of the wing, and very faintly
discernible : and {d) a series of Ejnone adve^iaria, Ijred from ova at Haslemere,
1907 ; one of a remarkable form very much smaller than usual, and of a
iiniform dvill lirown colour, with white fringes, biit no markings on the wings.
Mr. A. H. Jones, a series of Melitxa dictynna, var. vcrnetcnsis, Oberth., taken by
him this year at Vernet-les-Bains, Pyrenres-Orientales, and said that in his
opinion the so-called variety was probably a distinct species, having regard to
its general appearance, and the surroundings in which it. is taken. With it he
also shoAved examples of M. dictynna type, and M. athalia for comparison. Dr.
Malcolm Burr, D.Sc, M.A., communicated a paper entitled " A Revision of the
Labiidae, a Family of Dermaptera." The Rev. F. D. Morice read a paper
entitled " Hymenoptera Aculeata collected in Algeria : The Sphcgidx," being
Part V of the work commenced by the late Edward Saunders, F.R.S., F.E.S., in
the Trans. Ent. Soc, 1904, p. 515. Professor E. B. Poulton, D.Sc, M.A., F.R.S.,
communicated a paper entitled " Experiments with the larva and pupa of
Uropteryx sambucaria in connection with their Coloiu- Surroundings," by
Elizabeth Bridges. The President, at the close of the discussion \\hieh
followed, proposed a special vote of thanks to Miss Bridges, who was present,
which was cari-ied unanimovisly. — H. Rowland Brov^n, Uon. Secretary.
NOTES ON THE LIFE-HISTORIES OF DIORTCTRIA ABIETELLA, Fab.,
AND D. SPLENDIDELLA, H.-S.
BY EUSTACE R. BANKES, M.A., F.E.S.
Ill 1902 I identified, as Dioryctria apJendidella, H.-S., two indi-
viduals standing as " crhieteUa " in Major E. B. Robertson's (.-olleotiou,
and mentioned that, in some localities, tlie larvae feed in cones of
24 (January, 1911
spruce fir. He informed me that the moths had been taken in
Hampshire, in a Scotch pine wood near Bournemouth, from which
spruce was entirely absent, and in which he had never seen the
species I described as the true abietella. I thereupon advised him to
look for the lai'vse of sjdendideUa in cones of Scotch pine, or, if
these proved unproductive, in resinous nodules on the trunks. On
November 18th, 1902, when I went over to join in a search in the
wood in question, my friend showed me a cage containing various
larvae that had already come out of cones of Scotch pine (Pinus
sylvestris) , lately collected there and elsewhere in the near neighbour-
hood. Some of these were already hibernating full-fed in the loose
sand at the bottom of the cage, curled up in round fiat domiciles, com-
posed of reddish silk coated with sand, which I should have referred to
splendidella, H.-S., but that, to my surprise, the two larvae that were
available for examination, agreed with Mr. Atmore's description [Ent.
Mo. Mag., xxiv, 223 (1888)] of those of abietella* Fb. (decuriella,
Hb.), and not with Mr. Buckler's descriptions (op. cit., xxiv, 269-271)
of those that belonged to the former species ! This, taken in con-
junction with the facts that no important differences have been noticed
in the larvae, and that from the many tenanted Scotch pine cones that
were collected in the autumn of one year or another, by Major
Eobertson, near Bournemouth, two veritable examples, which I have
seen, of abietella, Fb., but none of splendidella, H.-S., have been reared,
the one by Mr. A. Thurnall on July 11th, 1903, the other by the Major
in a later year, leaves little doubt that all these cone- infesting larvae
were those of abietella.
On November 19th and 23rd, 1902, I collected, in the Isle of
Purbeck, Dorset, a few Scotch pine cones showing precisely similar
larval traces to those met with at Bournemouth ; these were found in
a frequently-worked pine wood where the imago of abietella has
occasionally occurred to me, but that of splendidella has never been
seen, and were doubtless referable to the former, though, like my
Bournemouth cones, they yielded no full-fed larvae, and were probably
collected too late. Owing to absence from home, no earlier search on
my part had been possible in either locality. The larvae may be found
about October, somewhat distorting, into a more or less curved shape,
the well-grown green cones on the trees ; the indications that should
be looked for are a hole in the concave side oi the cone, and some
* In his " Revi-sion of the British Phi/citidce and Galleridce," publi.shed in Ent. Mo. Mag.,
xxli (1885), Ragonot, on page 52, gave preference to the name "decuriella, Hb.," for this species,
but subsequently in the Romanoff Memoires, vii, '20u (18'.>3), he pointed out tliat it should be
called " abietella, Fab."— E. R. B.
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frass beside tlie edge of it. Oue may, at the same time, find some
quite small, dead and dry, cones, wliieli show an exit hole, and in
which the larvfc of ahieteUa probably once fed. Even in the latter half
of IJovember, the fresh pellets of frass round the holes in some of the
green cones are so small as to show that the occupants are quit«
immature, but these backwai'd larvse will be dealt with later on.
To find larviB of D. abietella feeding in well-grown cones* of
Scotch pine, leaving these in the autumn, when full-fed, and spinning
hibernacula in the manner of splendidella, with the obvious intention
of remaining therein until the spring, and then leaving them to
construct true cocoons in which to pupate, was most perplexing. Mr.
E. A. Atmore, in Ent. Mo. Mag., xxiv, 221-224 (1888), had stated
that the larvae fed in shoots, usually in those of the previous year, but
occasionally in those of the year or in very small cones, of Scotch
pine, becoming full-fed in the spring, and I myself had bred, a series
of ahieteUa from larvse found, near Eingwood, Hants, in shoots of
the same pine on April 28th, 1891, and May 12th, 1892. The
idea that we might perhaps have, in this coimtry, two very closely
allied species confused imder the name abietella, being unsupported by
any particle of evidence, one was forced to the conclusion that ahieteUa
has, even, it may be, in the same district (the locality near Eingwood
and that near Bournemouth are only six miles apart), two different
life-cycles.
More recently I was able to consult, in the Eomanoff Memoires
(vol. vii), the first part of Eagonot's " Monographie des Phycitinx et
des Galeriinx," and was much interested to learn from it that two
very similar life-cycles had been observed on the Continent. Whereas
Mons. A. Constant's account, which we there find, of the larval habits
practically agrees with Mr. Atmore' s, and with my own earlier expe-
rience near Eingwood, except that Constant found the larvse in Pinus
maritimus instead of P. sylvestris, Eagonot says that the lai-va,
according to Zincken, " lives in the fir-cones (Abies) feeding on the
seeds thereof ; the infested cones are distorted, and are also to be
recognised by the frass of the larva which appears on the cui-ved side.
It is full-grown in October and bm-ies itself in the ground in
November, making for itself a cocoon from the drbris of fir-needles
and moss. It is best to pick up these cones in October; they fall
owing to the operations of the larva.f It pupates in the spring, and
* Ragonot had told us in Ent. Mo. Mag., xxiv, 224 (c/. xxli, 52) that the larva lived " in the
cones, young shoots, and decayed wood of the C<mifer(e," but without further detail. — P>. R. B.
t In the case of Puias Hi/lveMrU the cones appear to remain firmly attached to the trees, even
after the full-fed larNie have vacated them.— E. R. B.
C
26 ' [February,
the moth appears at the beginning of July." Eagonot's further
remarks [Eom. Mem., vii, 199 (1893)] on this difficult problem seem
worth quoting, and are as follows : " The late von Horning wrote to
me that he had collected cones of Abies r)edinata in Bohemia in
November, and the moth emerged in March (no doubt in a heated
room). He also collected the cones of Abies nigricans and excelsa in
July and obtained the moths in September, which were like the others,
but smaller and paler ; he concluded that there were two broods, but
it is probable that there is only one, the more advanced larvse
producing the moths in September (confirmed by Mons. Lafaury), the
others hibernating. No one seems to have observed in the autumn
the larva that lives in the shoots of the pines, nor sought for the
differences which may exist between the moths of the larvse inhabiting
the cones, and those living in the stems ; I am therefore obliged to
consider these two laiwse, which are in other respects very similar, as
constituting one and the same species."
Since Eagonot's words were penned, though without any laiow-
ledge of them, I have carefully sought for differences in the moths
from the larvse inhabiting the cones and from those living in the
shoot- stems, but in vain. The idea of the insect being truly double-
brooded in Britain seems to me untenable, nor are any facts known to
me that suggest that, with us, the more advanced larvse ever produce
imagines in the autumn. One remarkable fact, however, is worthy of
record. On December 2nd, 1904, Mr. A. Thurnall found, in a cage in
which he had placed a few tenanted Scotch pine cones, received in
October from near Bournemouth from Major Eobertson, a true cocoon
containing a pupa, which he had no doubt was referable to abietella,
but when the pupa was examined in the following August, it had
evidently been dead for a long time.
Some of the larvse feeding in the cones are barely half-grown
by the late autumn, and obviously cannot feed up before the fol-
lowing year : in confinement, these leave the cones during November,
and wander about until they die, nor did Major Eobertson succeed in
inducing them to setttle down on shoots of Scotch pine. In spite of
his want of success, however, a review of all the facts at hand makes
me think it probable that, in Britain, all the eggs are laid during the
summer on green cones of P. sylvesfris, that the larvse from the earlier
eggs become full-fed about October, when they leave the cones to spin
hibernacula on the ground, finally pupating in true cocoons thereon in
the spring, while those from the later eggs, being still immature.
19110 27
desert the cones in November, and entering the steins of the shoots of
the year, feed up on the pith of these in the following spring. This,
however, is only conjecture, for I believe that nothing definite is
known either about the later history of the young larvae that feed in
the cones until November, or about the earlier history of the larvae
that are found, in spring, approaching maturity in the shoot-stems of the
previous year. Our combined experience has taught us that the imagines
resulting from the lai^voe with this latter habit appear at the same
time of year as those that have become full-fed in the previous
autuimi. The fact that the larva of ahietella often feeds in cones was
evidently tmknown to the Editor of " The Entomologist," when, in
the course of his review of Mr. A. T. Gillanders' " Forest Entomology,"
he wrote, in vol. xli, 256 (1908) :".... There is presumably some
confusion here, as it is the larva of D. splendidella that feeds in cones;
that of D. decuriella (ahietella) attacks the shoots of Pinus sylvestris.^'
The moths, in Britain, may be taken durmg a considerable portion
of the summer. Those that resulted from the larvae in shoots of
Pinus sylvestris, that I collected near Ringwood on April 28th, 1891,
emerged June 30th — August 18th, and all that I have taken in nature
have been captured during this period, with the exception of one that
was secured in Rothiemurchus Forest, Inverness-shire, on June 27tli,
1908 — a year in which Lejjidoptera appeared exceptionally early in
that county.
Turning now to the closely-allied D. splendidella, H.-S., a some-
what similar problem appears to confront us. Duponchel, as quoted
by Ragonot (op. cit. pp. 196-197), states that the larva " feeds on the
woody part of Pinus sylvestris, living between the bark and the sap-
wood, in the same way as Cossus, and the wound that it makes causes
an outflow of resin, and this, coagulating in the air, forms a more or
less thick tumour which betrays its presence, and in which it forms a
cell wherein to pupate when full-grown. This cell has the appearance
of a pipe of which the sides are lined with silk, and its external
opening is only closed by a few threads, crossed in the form of a
trellis. It is not rare to find five or six of these larvae in the same
tumour, where they seem to live on for some time before pupating, as
one finds their cell surrounded by frass, which is evidently composed
of the resin, from which it is only distinguished by its granulated
form. It is full-grown towards the end of June, and the imago
emerges at the end of three weeks." Ragonot adds the following
note : " Mons. Lafaury writes me word that in the Landes the larva
C %
9Q [February,
is found in April and pupates in tlie middle of May, the moth
emerging dui'ing the first fortnight of June."
The fact that two D. splendideUa were taken by Major Eobertson
in a Scotch pine wood, where spruce was absent, suggests that the
larvae may have fed there in the manner i-ecorded by Duponchel, and
perhaps reliable evidence, unknown to me, may exist of their sometimes
feeding in this way in Britain. It is certain, however, that, in some
parts of this country, the larva shows entirely different habits, which
were clearly unknown to Eagonot when writing his Monograph, and
feeds throughout in the cones of Picea (Abies) excelsa (spruce fir),
more than one larva sometimes inhabiting a single cone, leaving these
in autumn when full-fed, wintering in a round flattish hibernaculum,
and pupating in spring, the moth emerging in June or July. Dr. J. H.
Wood used to find the larvae behaving thus in the Tarrington district
of Herefordshire, and the only imago that I have ever bred resulted
from a larva in a cone that was received from him on September 22nd,
1894, and emerged on June 15th, 1895. Dr. Wood, in 1874—1879,
supplied Mr. W. Buckler with some of these larvae, and the latter's
detailed notes, which include descriptions^ together with the results of
the former's experience with the insect, will be found in Eut. Mo. Mag.,
xxiv, 269-272 (1888), and also in Buckler's " Lai-vae Brit. Butt, and
Moths," ix, 249-255 (1901), where, on Plate clviii, figures 8, 8a, and
8b, show the larva, while figure 8c represents the hibernaculum.
Buckler in his notebooks had used the name " alieteUa,'" but although
in Ent. Mo. Mag., xxiv, 269, Stainton expressed his firm belief, which
we know to have been correct, that Wood's (=: Buckler's) insect was
splendideUa, H.-S., the name " abieteUa " was unfortmiately retained
in the heading of Buckler's notes when reproduced, after his death, in
his " Larvae " (loc. cit.). From these we learn that, instead of behaving
like its fellows, a full-fed larva that evidently constructed its hiberna-
culum in the autumn of 1878, was still alive therein, and lying over,
in October, 1879, and that occasionally a full-fed larva forms no hiber-
naculum, but constructs, in the autumn, a true cocoon, the imago
emerging, as usual, in the following summer. In the latter case, I
expect that the larva pupates in the autumn, seeing that, as stated
above, Mr. Thurnall's larva of abieteUa, which formed a true cocoon in
the autumn, was found to have done so. Barrett [Lep. Brit. Isl.,
ix, 416 (1904)] says of the larva of splendidella, though without
mentioning the source of his information, " August till May, in cones
of spruce fir {Finns ahies), feeding in them when quite small and
1911.] 29
green, liibernatiug in them, probably moving from one to another, and
feeding up within when the last infested cone is of full size ; " biit
although, on page 417, he states that " the habits of the larvae were
carefully worked out in Herefordshire by Dr. J. H. Wood and Mr.
Buckler," his account does not agree with their experience. Barrett
makes the larvae live as such for about nine months, hibernate
(obviously not full-fed) in a cone, and feed up in the spring, whereas
the lai-vse that have yielded imagines to Dr. Wood and others have, as
a rule, hibernated full-fed in silken domiciles, after forsaking the
cones.
In Lep. Brit. IsL, ix, 417 (1904), Barrett, probably with Atmore's
and Buckler's descriptions of the groixnd-colours in his mind, expresses
the opinion that, in Ent. Mo. Mag., xxii, 52 (1885), Eagonot "trans-
posed the larvae " of abietella and splendideUa, but I cannot endorse
his conclusion, which would still leave marked differences of descrip-
tion unexplained. Eagonot's short descriptions (I.e.) are apparently
abridged from those of Constant and Duponchel respectively, which
are quoted in the Eomauoff Memoires, vii, pp. 198-199, 196 (1893),
and these authors' notes on the larval habits clearly point to abietella
being the subject of Constant's notice, and splendidella that of
Duponchel' s contribution, thus absolving Eagonot of any transposi-
tion. I confess, how^ever, that I am quite unable to reconcile
Constant's description of the larva of abietella with that of Atmore,
or Duponchel's description of the larva of splendidella with that of
Buckler, though the identity of the moths bred by Atmore and
Buckler seems unquestionable. In the Eom. Mem., vii, 199, Eagonot
quotes Atmore's description of the larva in his notice of abietella, but
unfortunately his notice of splendidella, although England is men-
tioned therein as a known locality, does not include any of Buckler's
descriptions of the larva, or of his notes thereon, all of which were
published in full by Stainton in the Ent. Mo. Mag., xxiv, 269-272
(1888), only tw^o mouths after the appearance of Atmore's paper which
Eagonot quotes ! Stainton headed his contribution, " On the Knot-
horn larva which infests the cones of spruce fir," but said in his
introductory remarks, " The perfect insects bred by Dr. Wood certainly
seem to be referable to the splendidella, H.-S. (the name now adopted
by M. Eagonot, Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. xxiv, p. 224, for the sylvestrella* oi
his Eevision, Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. xxii, p. 52) ; " and Eagonot could
• In Rom. M(5m. vii, pp. 195, 198(1893), Ragonot showed that sylvestrella, Rag., of Ent. Mo.
Mag., xxii, 52 (1885), is identical with splendidella, H.-S., but that the true si/lvestrelta, Rtzb., is
synonymous with abietella, Fb. — E. R. B.
30 [February,
easily liave checked Stainton's identification, since confirmed by both
Barrett and myself.
The imago of splendidella has, on certain occasions, been found in
very unexpected places, where Conifers, are absent, and the most
striking instance known to me of this phenomenon is that related by
Barrett in Eut. Mo. Mag., ser. 2, ii, 220-221 (1891). The causes of
its appearance in such unlikely spots have yet to be explained, nor can
I offer any satisfactory explanation of why the larvae that feed in the
resinous swellings on Scotch pine are full-fed in spring or early
summer, while those inhabiting spruce fir cones are full-fed in autumn,
though they do not pupate until the following spring. But, on the
other hand, the idea of there being two closely-allied species, with
different life-histories, confused under a single name seems as imtenable
in this case as in that of abietella, for no difference has been detected
between the imagines resulting from the larvse that show such dissimilar
habits. In this connection it is worthy of mention that J), renicu-
lella, Grote, an American species, showing great similarity to abietella,
is by no means consistent in its larval habits, and although the bulk
of the moths appear about midsummer, the advanced guard emerges in
the previous autumn. Ragonot says (op. cit., p. 200), "According to
Packard, the larva is usually found in the young cones of fir {Abies
nigra and alba). It penetrates into the cones, making transverse or
circular galleries, detaching some of the scales. . . . The larva makes
the resin run by its workings, and attacks equally the shoots and the
temiinal branches, and eats the leaves. One finds it abundantly
towards the end of August, and the first moths emerge at the end of
October, but most of the larvae spin in the mass of frass an oval, loose,
thin yet firm, silken cocoon at the end of October, to hibernate in ; it
is not known whether the larva pupates before the winter (but it is
probable)." Although these habits are curious and of great interest
or comparison, they do not furnish the anomalies presented by
abietella and splendidella of some of the larvae becoming full-fed in
autumn, while others do not reach maturity until the spring or early
summer, and, moreover, feed up in an entirely different manner.
It is much hoped that the above notes may lead to further
careful study of abietella and splendidella.
Norden, Corfe Castle :
Becetnber, 1910.
1911.] 31
BLEDIUS PALLIPES AND ITS ALLIES IN BRITAIN.
BY D. SHARP, M.A., F.R.S.
(1) B. PALLIPES (Grav.), Er.
From the first confusion has existed as to the synonymy of this
species and its allies. In our Catalogue paUipes was introduced with-
out a name, then withdrawn, and again introduced as pallijies. Eye,
in December, 1865, described a close ally under the name of fuscipes,
and a few months later Schiodte described the same species as rastellus.
Neither of these names is admitted as valid in the latest European
Catalogue ; fuscijjes appears there as a synonym of p)allipes, and ras-
tellns, Schiodte, as a synonym of suhterranens ; I find, however, from
comparison of co-types that the two are perfectly similar.
The confusion as to B. pallipes has existed from the very first.
G-ravenhorst included several species — belonging to different sections
of Bledius — under the name of Oxytelus pallipes. Erichson, however,
in Gen. Staph., p. 772, gave a careful description of our B. pallipes,
and as he had taken much pains in examining Gravenhorst's collection
we may accept his decision as final.
In this coimtry B. pallipes appears to be a widely distributed
species, occurring throughout England and the south of Scotland, in
suitable places on the banks of our rivers.
(2) B. ANN^, sp. n.
Niger, antennis, palpis pedibus (his cuinque coxis) Jlavis ; prothorace
parum transversa, parce obsolete punctata, fortiter coriaceo, peropaco ; ely-
tris thorace evidenter longioribus, subtiliter crebreque punctatis.
Long., 4 mm.
Closely allied to B. pallipes, but readily distinguished by the
sculpture of the thorax, and the shorter elytra. The coxae are always
clear yellow, and so are the antennae. The length of the elytra as
compared with that of the thorax is 4 to 3 ; in B. pallipes it is 3 to 2.
The large punctures of the thorax are only slightly impressed so as to
be more than usually indistinct, while on the contrary the fine sculp-
ture renders the surface rougher and more dull than it is \nB. pallipes ;
the punctuation of the elytra is very similar in the two. The thorax
is abruptly narrowed behind, the basal margin projects so that the
hind angle is rectangular, but immediately in front of the angle the
outline of the thorax by its direction would form a strongly obtuse
ano-le with the base if the short basal projection alluded to were
32 [Febriiary,
removed. lu B. jjallijies the augle itself is less proiuiueut, and the
direction of the side in front of it is less oblique.
I may mention that the two species show distinctions in their
sexual characters, but that these are very difficult of stvidy. Other-
wise they are but little dissimilar, though the sedeagus is markedly
different.
I first met with B. annse on the banks of the river Nith, near
TLomhill, in September, 1867, and in the two or three subsequent
years I found there a few other specimens. These were separated in
my collection as " B. pallipes, var. ? " On returning to this spot, after
an interval of 40 years, at the end of July, 1910, the species was again
met with by my daughter, Mr. Bishop, and myself. It lives in the
friable sand of the perpendicular banks of the river, in company with
B. pallipes. The only other locality I know for the insect is the
Nethy river in Moray, where I found a pair in July, 1907. I have
also a specimen given me by the late R. Hislop many years ago, and
supposed to be B. pallipes. These are all the specimens I know of.
I have named the species after one of the names of my daughter,
M. A. Sharp, who has been very successful in capturing species of
this genus.
(3) B. FiLiPES, sp. n.
Gracilis, antcnnaruvi hasi j^edihusque Jiavis,iUis exlrorsum )iigris ; j)>'<J-
thorace hand transverso, crebrc nubtilite)' punclato, coriuccu, tenuiter maryi-
nato, angulis posteriuribtis vix prumiuulis, argutis, fere obtusis ; elytris
thoracv lungioribiis — 5 : 3. Long. Corp., 4, lut. vix, 1 miv.
This species is really very distinct, though it has hitherto appa-
rently quite escaped recognition, the few collections in which it exists
agree in calling it "fuscipes," though it is nearer to paUipes and to
annae. The tarsi are longer and more thread-like than in any of the
allies, and measurement with the micrometer shows that the thorax is
just about as long as broad. The elytra are longer than the thorax, in
proportion of about 5 — 3. In the more slender specimens the greatest
width of the body (i. e., the abdomen beyond the middle) is only
I mm., in the broadest examples it is just about 1 mm. The ptmc-
tuation of the elytra is very similar to that of B. pallipes.
The nearest ally appears to me to he pallipes, hut filijyes is much
narrower, with more slender legs, and the thorax is not transverse.
The front coxa3 are infuscate at the base, as in pallipes.
The discovery of this species is due to Mr. E. Gr. ElHman, who
dug out many examples of it from the nearly perpendicular clay chffs
at Overstrand, near Cromer, in Norfolk, in June, 1897. Mr. Newbery
19110 33
infonns me that lie has a specimen fomiJ hj Mr. Ernest Elliott at
Mundesley, which is in the same neighbourhood. Mr. Elliman has
been good enough to allow me to examine his long series, and there
can be no doubt as to the validity of the species.
(4) B. FTJSciPES, Eye.
Bledius fuscipes, Rye, Ent. Mo. Mag., Dec, 1865, p. 154.
Bargus rastellus, Schiodte, Naturhist. Tidskr., 1866, p. 149.
I am indebted to the Copenhagen Museum for the opportunity of
examining a series of Schiodte's Bargus rastellus. They are exactly
the same as the original examples of B. fuscipes captured by Mr. Eye
and myself in June, 1865, on the Firth of Forth, near Edinburgh.
In the Catalogus Col. Europse fuscipes. Eye, is placed as a synonym
of pallipes, while rastellus, Schiodte, figures as a synonym of suhter-
raneus 1 I am unable to guess at any explanation for these gross
errors.
B. fuscipes is a very local species, which has occurred only on the
estuaries of our rivers, the Firths of Moray and Forth, and the
rivers Mersey and Tor. These localities are very widely separated, and
it is not therefore a matter for surprise that the specimens exhibit
slight variations, so that as a result a series from one locality does not
quite agree with a set from another place.
The original examples of fuscipes from Edinburgh are a rather
larger and stouter form, with slightly more ample thorax, and the legs
brownish-yellow, but not fuscous, as the name implies. These speci-
mens agi*ee exactly with Danish B. rastellus, and there is no doubt
that the two names are absolute synonyms.
A long series of abovit 100 examples taken by Mr. Bishop and
myself at Forres, in June, 1910, are rather smaller, and darker in
colour, the legs being sometimes nearly black, and they have the thorax
rather shorter. The numerous individuals from the Mersey district
differ but little from the Forres specimens. In a long series taken by
Mr. De la Garde at Braunton in Devonshire the form is slightly less
robust, the size a little less, and the legs somewhat paler. None of
the slight distinctions in any of these series is constant, and I have
quite failed to find any character of greater importance.
(5) B. TEREBRANS, Sclliodte.
Bargus terebrans, Schiodte, Natiu'hist. Tidskr., 1866, p. 149.
On April 23rd, 1866, I found at Harburn, near Carstairs, a single
specimen of a Bledius that I was vmable to determine, and that has
34 [February
since stood in my collection as B. sp. n. Kecently I received a series
of terebrans, Schiodte, from the Copenhagen Museum, and I find that
my Scottish example agrees therewith.
B. terehrans is placed in the Catalogus Col. Europse as a synonym
of B. pallipes, but this is erroneous. It is smaller than jialUpes ; the
elytra are much shorter, their length compared with that of the
thorax being only 7 : 5, and they ai-e less densely but more closely
punctured ; and the antennse and front coxae are clear yellow in colour.
B. terehrans would appear to be a very rare species in this country,
as besides the example referred to above, I have seen only two others,
found in the sand on the borders of the Truim about two miles above
Newtonmore. Though recognised at the time as different from B.
subterraneus, which aboimded at the spot, careful search produced no
other individual. One of these two examples was captured by Mr.
Bishop, the other by my daughter.
Close to the specimen last mentioned my daughter found another
small black Bledius, which I thought might possibly prove to be the
female. It has the elytra rather longer and more closely and finely
punctured. The series from Denmark includes both sexes of terebrans,
and the female closely resembles the male. I can therefore only con-
clude that we have still another black Bledius of this group, in
addition to the species I have been able to point out in this paper.
Brockenhiirst :
December '31st, 1910.
BLEDIUS HINNULUS, Er. (OR DIOTA, Schiodte), IN BEITAIN.
BY D. SHARP, M.A., F.R.S.
Bledius diota, Schiodte, Naturhist. Tidskr., 1866, p. 146.
A species very closely allied to B. bicornis, but quite distinct,
being of a paler colour about the elytra, which are more obsoletely and
sparingly punctured. The two are also distinguished in the male sex
by the form of the cephalic elevations. These, when seen laterally, have
in bicornis almost the form of short, compressed horns ; whereas in
diota they have a greater extension in the longitudinal axis, so that
they are only elevated laminae. In the female sex the cephalic laminae
are less elevated, and the distinctions greatly reduced, but in bicornis
the elevation in front is a little greater and more abrupt. The de-
velopment of the horns varies, however, so much in individuals of
1911.] 35
the male sex of the two species, that the student may be advised to
determine his specimens to begin with by the colour and puncturation
of the elytra.
B. diota was taken in abundance by Brewer, in 1867, at Wells,
Norfolk. A record of this capture is to be found in the Entomolo-
gist's Annual for 1868, where, however, the insect is called B. hicornis.
The specimens of B. hicornis in the collection at the British Miiseum
are, I believe, of this origin, and are B. diota. I have also seen it
from Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire (/. K. Taylor).
Thanks to the kindness of Dr. B<^ving, of the Copenhagen Museum,
I have been able to examine a series of Schiodte's specimens taken at
Amagerfaelled, in Denmark, in July, 1849, being part of those alluded
to by the author in his description (J. c). These are quite the same as
our Norfolk examples. I have, however, great doubts whether the
insect is not the same as the Russian B. hmnulus, Er. It agrees with
Erichson's description, and was originally considered by Schiodte
himself to be Erichson's species, and the larva was described by him
as that of B. hinmilus [Naturhist. Tidskr. (3), iii, p. 212, pi. xii, figs.
16-19]. Subsequently he changed his opinion, and described the
Danish insect as B. diota, sp. n.
By some inexplicable misconception, B. diota stands in the Euro-
pean Catalogue as a synonym of B. tricornis — a species with which it
has no relation.
As Schiodte's description is entirely in the Danish language, the
following translation of his remarks will be useful in settling the
question as to whether B. diota and B. hinmilus are really two species.
It has been prepared for me by Dr. Adam B^ving, and may be relied on.
" In June, 1849, this Bledius was to be found in great numbers
on the southern part of the commons at Amager, where the ground
was gravelly or clayey, containing salts, and where the vegetation was
sparse. When describing the larvae of Bledius in the third vol. of
Naturhist. Tidskr., I supposed this species to be identical with Erich-
son's B. Jiinnuhis, but remarked that the Danish examples differed
from the description, especially by having the frontal prominences
Uiore strongly developed. I now treat it as a distinct species, in con-
sequence of some information from Dr. G-erstaecker, who has been so
good as to compare both forms at the Museum in Berlin. According
to this information there is a difference in the sculpture of the elytra.
As in this respect B. lunnulus (according to Dr. Gerstaecker) is very
like B. hicornis, and not — as Ei'ichson says — with a more scanty punc-
tuation."
36 [February,
It may be worth while to add Erichsou's note as to B. hinnulus,
which is (Gen. et spec. Staph., p. 763), "A praecedente [B. bicornisl
prsecipue statura graciliore, frontis niargine laterali in utroque sexu
hand in cornvi fonnani elevato, elytris minus dense punctatis etc.
distinctus."
I think, if we bear in mind the variation of the cephalic eleva-
vations I have previously recorded, that it is probable that B. diota
will be found the same as B. hinnulus, Er.
Brockenhiirst :
December 20th, 1910.
A CONTEIBUTION TOWARDS THE LIFE-HISTORY OP
MIBIS LMVIGATUS, L.
BY E. A. BUTLER, B.A., B.Sc, F.E.S.
So little is known about the early stages of the Hemiptera, that I
have no hesitation in recording the following details, though they refer
merely to a very common species. On May 28th, 1910, I found a
green ? of Miris leevigatus in Epping Forest. As it seemed to be
gravid, I brought it home, hoping to obtain some eggs. I placed it in
a glass tube, and kept it supplied with blades and stems of grass, on
which it frequently fed. In feeding, the rostrum, which is too long
to be placed at right angles to the body, is inclined backwards, and
thus slopes beneath the body ; in this position it would appear that
the insect cannot obtain more than a very imperfect view of the point
of attack. The setee are driven some distance into the grass blade, so
that the labial trough in its basal part is bent at an angle away from
them, while its apical part acts as a guide to them. The position, in
fact, is much the same as is observable in the Dipterous Culex when
feeding. A use is thus shown for the joints in the rostrum.
I examined the tube and its contents carefully, as often as pos-
sible, but could find no trace of eggs till June 8th, when I noticed,
attached to a blade of grass, a long glassy-looking object, which had
certainly not been there when I examined the tube the previous day.
Subsequent events showed that this was the egg of the Miris, although
unfortunately I had not witnessed the actiial oviposition. The egg
was Ij mm. long, of a cylindrical shape, truncated at its distal ex-
tremity, and at its proximal partly imbedded in a longitudinal slit in
the tissues of the grass. It was placed, not upright, but sloping at
an angle of about 45° with the grass blade. In colour it was creamy
white, and its surface was smooth and shining. In the course of
1911.] 37
time the distal extremity assumed the form of a sort of cap, con-
stricted from side to side.
The egg hatched on June 22nd, tluis giving a fortnight as the
duration of the egg- stage ; but in the two or three days before hatch-
ing, it became rather darker in colour, and showed a reddish-brown
streak at the base, and a reddish stain near the apex. Unfortimately,
again, I did not see the actual disclosure of the larva, but it was
evidently accomplished by the thrusting up of the apical cajj, which
had, however, after the emergence, fallen back into position. The rest
of the egg-shell was entire, so that the whole egg was very little
altered in appearance by the disclosure of the larva, save for its
obvious emptiness. In this condition the cap is completely hyaline,
but the rest of the shell milk-white.
The newly-hatched larva has an almost cylindrical body, slightly
swollen at the head, and gently tapering to the end of the abdomen ;
the antennae are long, much longer than the body, and the apical joint
is stouter than the rest, thus contrasting strongly with the imago, in
which this joint is the thinnest. The antennae were continually in
motion, in the manner characteristic of the imago, viz., the right and
left alternately up and down. They were frequently cleaned by being
stroked with the front tarsi, and then these were rubbed against one
another. The head is yellowish, the abdomen greenish, and the
antennae reddish at the apex. On the dorsal surface of the second
abdominal segment there is a distinct yellow spot. The head is
rounded in front, broader than the rest of the body, and with
a furrow down the middle of the vertex, specially strongly marked
behind. Dor sally, the three thoracic segments are similar to one
another, the pronotum being the largest. Of the two tarsal joints,
the first is very small and the second large ; the claws also are
large. The four-jointed rostrum is long, and in use, the setae,
when fully thrust into the grass, were guided by the apex of the
fourth joint, and the junction of the second and third, so that the
labial trough separated from the setae in two angles, one at the junc-
tion of the first and second joints, and the other at that of the third
and fourth ; this may be contrasted with what is said above as to the
position in the imago. The legs are comparatively stout and slightly
dusky. The cast skin shows that this duskiness lies in the epidermis ;
the true colour of the insect is situated beneath this, and does not
appear in the exuviae ; the only exception to this statement is that
there is a yellow streak in the exuviae where the yellow spot appears at
the base of the abdomen in the larva.
38 [February,
The first ecdysis occurred ou June 26tli, four days after hatching.
Just previously to this the insect had deepened in colour, the head
becoming ochreous, and the body green. The length of the larva in
its second instar was 2 mm. Traces of the connexivum now appear.
The head is still ochreous and the body green. Down the whole
length of the lai-va on each side runs a dark streak, which is reddish-
brovoi as far as the hinder part of the thorax, and yellowish the rest
of the way. The dorsal yellow spot on the second abdominal segment
is still distinct. The abdomen is now broader than the thorax, and
the terminal joint of the antennaa is not so stout as before. The sul-
cation of the head is not so distinct. A white line runs down the
middle of the dorsal surface ; this, however, does not appear to be
due to any pigmentation of the skin, but to represent some underlying
structure, possibly the dorsal vessel. The excrement in this, as in the
other instars, consists of a single drop of thick yellow fluid.
The second ecdysis occurred on July 1st, and the insect then
measured 3| mm. In the third instar a distinct pale and foliaceous
margin appears down each side of the body. On the abdomen this is
the rudimentary condition of the connexivum, but it appears on the
thorax as well, though it is widest in the abdomen. Within this is a
dark streak down each side. No trace of the rudimentary wings
appears as yet. The legs are pale, but still with a rather smoky skin.
In this instar the antennas assume their final proportions, with the
terminal joint thinnest, and the basal thickest. The colours of the
body are now more opaque than hitherto.
The thii-d ecdysis occurred on July 7th, and the insect then
measured 4| mm. In this fourth instar the rudiments of the wings
distinctly appear.
The fourth ecdysis occurred on July 14tli, when the nymph
measured 7 mm. The rudimentary wings are now much elongated,
covering three abdominal segments. A thin red stripe now takes the
place of the broader, darker stripe hitherto existing down each side of
the body. The yellow spot at the base of the abdomen is very dis-
tinct, and the connexivum is plainly marked. A dark stain also
appears in the abdomen during the later part of this instar.
The fifth and last ecdysis occvu-red on July 23rd, when the imago,
a (J, appeared, measuring 7j, mm. This is a trifle under the normal
size for the species, and the reduction no doubt resulted from the
confinement and somewhat artificial conditions in which the insect
had grown up. At first the body of this imago was green, and the
hemelytra were pale ochreous. Subsequently the green colouring
1911.1 39
disappeared, and the whole insect became pale ochreous. Thus, a
green mother produced an ochreous offspring". According to Eeuter,
however (Hem. Grvm. Scand. et Fenn.), a green form of the (J is not
known.
From these observations the scheme of the transformations will
be seen to be as follows : —
0 viposition June 8th .
Egg hatched „ 22nd Duration of egg stage. . . 14 days.
1st ecdysis „ 26th „ „ 1st instar... 4 „
2nd „ July 1st „ „ 2nd „ ... 5 „
3rd „ „ 7th „ „ 3rd „ ... 6 „
4th „ „ 14th „ „ 4th „ ... 7 „
5th , „ 23rd „ „ 5th „ ... 9 „
Total time from oviposition to appearance of imago, 45 days, nearly a
third of which is spent in the egg. The gradual increase of time in the
duration of the successive instars are noteworthy.
During the foiu-th instar an accident happened to the terminal
joint of the right antenna, which caused it to shrivel tip. This was
not repaired at the next ecdysis, but the shrivelled part was cast off,
and the imago appeared without any other alteration than a joint too
few on that antenna. Mr. Douglas once propounded a theory that the
oligomery in the antennal joints which frequently occurs in the adult
Lygxidm, and is accompanied by the excessive development of one of
the remaining joints, may be due to damage received by the antenna in
the larval stage. Wliether this really holds in the case of the L^jgxidse
I do not know ; but certainly in that of the present Capsid the loss of
a joint in the larva was not followed by any increase in the size of
either of the remaining joints in the adult.
Through all the larval stages the tarsi are two- jointed, though
the first joint gradually increases in proportionate length. The imago,
on the other hand, has three- jointed tarsi. No puncturation appears
in the larva, though the puncturation of pronotum and scutellum is a
generic characteristic in the imago.
As I had to leave home shortly after the above history was com-
pleted, I could not continue the observations beyond the beginning of
August. There is thus a considerable part of the year still to be
accounted for, viz., from the beginning of August to the middle of
the following May. If the above date of oviposition represents
approximately what usually happens, it is evident that the insect
hibernates in the imago form. Of this there is also independent
evidence, as I have records of the imago occurring in March and
April. As the spring specimens are green, and these appear to be
40 [February,
$ $ only, it will follow that impregnation must take place in the
autumn. At that time, however, most, if not all, of the specimens
are ochreous, and thus it would appear that a change of colour must
occur during the winter. This is a matter, however, upon which
further observations are much needed.
56, Cecil Park, Crouch End, N. :
January 4th, 1911.
A NEW SPECIES OF ANTHOMYZA (A. BIFASCIATA).
BY JOHN H. WOOD, M.B.
A very eleo-ant and distinct species, with banded wings : — Thorax di\llisli
yellow, usually niaro-ined on each side of the back with a narrow black line ;
pleuraj with two conspicuous black bands, the upper one broad and running
the whole length, the under narrower and abbreviated in front ; scutelliuu
dusky yellow. Abdonaen of male brown, at the base more or less yellow above ;
of female yellow, with broad brown bands on the hind margins. Frons yellow,
bordered narrowly with white, jowls silvery white, two pairs of vibrissa. An-
tennae yellow, 3rd joint sometimes darkened on upper-side, arista sub-pectinate.
Wings milky-white, crossed by two dark grey bands ; the first, nearly in the
centre, is narrow at the two ends and wide in the middle, reaching as far in-
wards as the small cross-vein, the second covers the whole outer fifth of the
wing, there is also a dusky spot at the base of the basal cells. Legs yellow,
the outer half of the femora more or less distinctly blackened, especially in the
two hind pairs, and the tibiae of these same pairs somewhat dusky at the base ;
terminal joint of tarsi black. Front femora without the usual short black
spine beneath.
The subpectinate arista, prettily banded wings, and partially-
darkened legs give it an appearance totally unlike the ordinary run of
an Anthomyza, and in these days of dividing and subdividing some
might perhaps advocate erecting it into a separate genus. But in all
essential points of form, structure, and chaetotaxy this species is an
Antliomyza, and there I would place it.
[ have only met with A. bifasciata at one restricted spot. This is a
small pool, which was drained some years ago, but still remains swampy,
and is now overgrown with a rank and varied vegetation. Running
through it is a little boggy stream, which has its rise about 100 yards
off. For years this has been a favourite locality of mine, for it lies within
half an hour's walk, and has given me at one time or another many a
good thing. Yet all the while the existence of this striking little insect
remained unsuspected, and it was not until August 8th, 1910, that at
last it made itself known. On that occasion I took three specimens.
mil.] 41
The discoveiy could not have happened at a more opportune time, for
the same afternoon I was expecting Mr. Collin to look me up on his
way to join his uncle and Col. Yerbuiy at Abergavenny, and I felt
sure that my little insect could not fail to interest him. The next
morning, therefore, we were early at the place, and between us bagged
15 or 16 examples, much the larger share, as was meet, falling to my
friend. They were all obtained by sweeping over and over again the
path we had trodden out in the tall herbage, the first sweeping or so
being less productive than subsequent ones, as if the habit of the
insect were to keep close below, and needed some waking up to bring
it to light. A few more were taken afterwards, the last capture
being 24/8/10.
I may add that, my own sources of information being inadequate
for ascertaining whether it had already been described or not, Mr.
Collin kindly searched the authorities and could find nothing answer-
ing to it.
Tai-rington, Hereford :
December 3rd, 1910.
Revision of the British species of Haliplus : a correction. — There are certain
errata in my paper, antea, pp. 1 — 10, which I should like to correct. Page 7,
line 6, for " in Ean worth," read " at Eanworth ;" line 12, for " very similar,"
read " similar." Page 9, line 6 from bottom, erase the word " form," and for
" immaculutus," read " immaculatus.'^ — J. Edwards, Colesborne, Cheltenham :
January 10th, 1911.
Occurrence of Leptinus tcstaceus, Midi., in Carnarvonshire. — Mr. Geo. Ellison,
of Liverpool, presented to the Warrington Municipal Musemn a number of
fleas, &c., which he took from the bodies of Mus sylvaticus trapped by him at
Trefriw on Jime 10th last. Among these I found three examples of Leptinus
testaceus. Mull., an insect usually foi^nd in association with mammals and their
nests. — G. A. Dunlop, Warrington Museum : December 23rd, 1910.
Records of Lepidoptera from N.W. Surrey. — Since the publication of my
previous notes (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1907, p. 254) on captures of Lepidoptera in this
district, a nvunber of species have been taken in one way or another by my
brothei', R. J. Champion, or myself, which are of interest fi-oni point of view of
locality or rarity.
In the small reed-beds and marshes near Woking, *Leucania straminea, Tr.,
was not uncommon in the latter half of July tliis year (1910), in company with
swarms of Cosnobia rufa. Haw., an occasional *Leucania impiulens, Hb., Nonagria
arundinis, F., Epione apiciaria, Schiff., Gonoptera libatrix, L., &c., and only too
D
42 [Febmaiy,
many of most of tlie species usually common in such places. Several specimens
each of *Tholoiniges turfosalis, Wk., and Hyjpenocles costxstrigalis, St., were taken
in a similar habitat, as also was a single example of *ColUx sparsata, Hb. At
Woking also, in culms of Arundo phragmites were found a number of pupae of
*Nonagria geminipuncta, Hatch, (not without the expenditiu-e of much time and
patience), from which the imagines subsequently emerged ; we did not take this
species on the wing. The pupae of N. arundinis, F., were, as usual, abiindant
in stems of Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia, and from those collected we
bred a fine dark form referable to the yar. fraterna (emerged Sept. 10th, 1909).
At light we have taken one or few specimens each of *Galleria mellonella, L.,
Apamca ophiogramma, Esp., Calymnia pyralina. View., Noctua glareosa, Esp.,
Xanthia fidvago var. jlavcsccns, Esp., and Calligenia miniata, Forst., all at
Woking, and Asphalia ridens, F., at Guildford, in addition to most of the
insects recorded in my previous paper.
A number of species have been bred from larvas beaten from young
birches, &c., in a copse near Chobham. Amongst these are, *Cymalophora
octogesima, Hb., *fLophopteryx carmelita, Esp., Dicranura furcula, L., D. hifida,
Hb., and Hadena contigua, Vill., the last mentioned being not uncommon. The
usual Notodontids, Lophoptcryx camclina, L., Notodonta dictiea, L., N. dictasoides,
Esp., N. dromcdarius, L., N, ziczac, L., and Fygmra pigra, Hufn., were all seen.
It is interesting to note that the larvae of N. dictxoides and N. dromedarius
were botli more easily obtained by beating after dark. Tethca retiisa, L. (one),
and Noctua stigmatica, Hb. (one), in the perfect state, were found on the
beating-tray whilst we were working for the above larvas.
A few examples of Agrotis agathina, Dup., were taken at the bloom of
Calluna vulgaris, on cold moonlight nights in early September, 1910, in company
with A. tritici, L., A. strigula being absent, fortunately for lis. The larvae of
the first of these insects were procvu-ed not iincommonly by sweeping the
heather at simset in early May. On the heaths four noteworthy species of
the genus Crambus have been netted, viz., *C. hamcllus, Thunb. (common),
C. uligiyiosellus, Zell. (taken in company with Trichoptilus paludum, Zell., cf.
Ent. Mo. Mag., 1910, p. 241), C. latistriiis. Haw., and C. pinellus, L. Cramhus
falsellus, Schiff., occurred in July, 1908, in our garden here.
We have always thought *Limacodes testudo, Schiff., ought to occiu- in the
district, and I am sure I saw a specimen (which I could not captm-e) on
July 28th, 1907, flying "in the daytime in some woods near Milford. This
conviction was turned into certainty when, whilst on a day's " himting " with
me in the same locality on July 23rd, 1910, Mr. E. G. E. Waters beat out a fine
? from an old oak. Many hours were spent by my brother last September
beating for the larvae, but without sxiccess ; the only capture was a fair nrunber
of larvae of Gnophria ruhricollis, L. In consequence of this it was a surprise
all the more agreeable to tis, when a full-grown larva of L. testudo was beaten
from an oak on the outskirts of the only mixed wood, and that quite a small
one, near Woking. Unfortunately our capture proved later to be but the skin
t Ou the occurrence of this species in Surrey, cf. Vict. Hist, of the Couutj', p. 127, note.
1911.] 43
of a larva enclosing a largo Ichneumon grub. We have also taken Lithosia
deplana, Esp., in the perfect state at rest on tree trunks, and as the unhibernated
larva, near Milford.
Finally, I may mention the capture of Xylina seniibrunnea. Haw., at rest
on a telegraph pole at Griiildford, and the rearing of several Halias hicoloranu,
Fuess., from larva; taken on oak in company with imagines of H. x>rasinana, L.,
and Sarothripus undulanus, Hb., at Woking.
The species marked * are not recorded in Mr. H. Goss's list for Surrey in
the Victoria History, pp. 110 — 136 (1902), biit Tholomiges Uir/osalis, Lojjhoptenjx
carmelita, and Cymatophora octogesiina are referred to as occurring in the
county in the more recent publications I have seen. — H. G. Champion,
Horsell, Woking: December, 1910.
Microdon eggeri, Mile, in nests of Formica sanguinea, Latr., in the Liixem-
burg. — Dr. Sharp, when recording this interesting addition to the British list
fEnt. Mo. Mag., vol. xlvi, p. 274), mentions that Wasmann has found the larvae
with F. sanguinea in the Luxembui-g, but is unable to remember in what publica-
tion it is mentioned. The reference may be found in Wasmann's " Zur Kentniss
der Ameisen u. Ameisengaste von Luxemburg " (Ai-chiv. trimestr. d. I'lnstit.
Eoyal. Grand-Dukal. Luxemburg, 1909, T. IV, Fascic. Ill, p. 50). Wasmann
states that he found the ripe pupse of these flies under the bark and in the " runs "
of stvunps inhabited by sanguinea towards the end of April and in May. From
the middle to the end of May the imagines hatched and flew away to pair. The
females returned to lay their eggs in the early part of June. He found the young
larvte in the nests from the middle to the end of June. In the Journal of the
New York Ent. Soc. (xvi, 4, 1908, pp. 202 — 213) a very interesting and valuable
paper by Wheeler on " Microdon " is to be found. In the Ent. Record, 1909,
pp. 18 and 19, I wrote a short account of the habits of Microdon mutabilis, L.,
and gave a photograph of the larva, pupa, and imago. Microdon eggeri may live
with other ants besides F. sanguinea, and it is possible that this species occvu'S
at Ramioch, as I discovered it both at Aviemore and Nethy Bri dge. — Horace
DoNiSTHORPE, 58, Kensington Mansions, S.W. : January, 1911.
Ancylus-like Mycetophilid larvse in Epping Forest. — With reference to the
Ancylus-like Mycetophilid larvae described by the Rev. E. N. Bloomfield (Ent^
Mo. Mag., March, 1910), I should like to record the finding of similar larva
under a fallen beech branch in Epping Forest (Ching-ford) on November 5th,
1910. Their diameters varied from 1 — 4 mm. Unfortunately I did not breed
them. — Keppel H. Baknard, Etwas, Farnham, Surrey : December 17th, 1910.
Halesus guttatipennis in Scotland in October. — Refen'ing to Mr. K. J.
Morton's note (anted, p. 19) recording the occurrence of this Trichopteron on
the Tyne at Ormiston on the 4th of this month, I find I have a specimen which
I captured some thirteen miles further down the same river, at East Linton, on
October 15th, When wo mot with the species at Ormiston I mentioned to
D2
44 [February,
Mr. Morton that I had taken some Trichoptera on the Tyne, not far from Avhere
it enters the estuary, about three weeks before, and believed there was a Halesus
among them. I have to-day shown the specimen, which is a male, to him. —
William Evans, Morningside Park, Edinburgh: November 24<?i, 1910.
James W. Tutt — It is with sincere regret that we annoimce the decease of
this eminent Lepidoi^terist at his residence at Westcombo Hill, Ijlackheath, on
January 10th last. A detailed notice of his life and Avork will appear in the
next forthcoming number of this Majyazine.
^ori(jtt(fs.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society : Meeting held at
the Eoyal Institution, Colquitt Street, Liverpool, November 2\st,19\0. — Dr. P F.
Tinne in the Chair.
Mr. H. E.. Sweeting read a paper on " Collecting in the North of Ireland
during August, 1910." In consequence of unfavourable weather the results
were much below what one might reasonably expect under good conditions.
The outstanding featm-e of the holiday was the capture of a long series of
Hydroecia crinanensis ; the moth was identified by Mr. F. N. Pierce, who
examined all the specimens while the bodies were yet soft enough to permit
an inspection of the genitalia. A series of Cidaria truncata included a very
fine melanic variety of the centtim-notata form wholly suffused with fuscous,
the hind-wings being nearly as dark as the primaries : other specimens also
had a strong melanic tendency. A series of Noctua ddhlii contained some
almost black examples. The butterflies were noteworthy as showing distinctly
brighter colouring than is usually found in England. Lyciena icarus, in which
the females from this locality have very bright blue coloration, unfortunately
was not met with. The paper was illustrated by a large scale map of the
district colovired to indicate the collecting areas, a featvu'e which added greatly
to the interest of the descriptions. A discussion ensued in which several of
the Members gave their experiences in the North of Ireland.
Mr. B. H. Crabtree exliibited two aberrations of Nemeophila plantaginis,
male and female, in which all the black markings were replaced by orange, the
ground-colour of the fore-wings being pale straw colour, while the hind-wings
were unicolorous orange ; they were taken on a mountain near Helvellyn ;
also a variety of Euchelia jacobseas, in which the usual red markings were smoky
black sparingly intermixed with crimson ; this veiy striking specimen was bred
from a larva found at St. Anne's-on-Sea. Mr. A. W. Boyd, a large nmnber of
Micro-Lepidoptera taken in various parts of Cheshire during 1910. — H. R.
Sweeting and Wm. Mansbridge, Hon. Secretaries.
1911.] 45
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society.
Thursday, November 10th, 1910.— Mr. W. J. Kayb, F.E.S., President, in the
Chair.
Mr. W. G Sheldon, F.E.S., of Croydon; Lieut. H. F. Stonehani, of
Streatham ; Mr. A. J. Lawrence, of New Oxford Street ; and Mr. B. S. Curwen,
of Richmond ; were elected Members.
Dr. Hodgson exhibited selected examples of Agriades coridon, mainly ? s,
to show the prevalent slightly blue-scaled form from Dover and Clandon in
1906 and 1904 respectively, and from Sussex, Surrey, and Herts in 1910. Mr.
Piatt Barrett, bred specimens of Vanessa io, of a curious greasy looking appear-
ance, from mal-development of the scales. Mr. E,. Adkin, a bred series of
Lithosia caniola from Devonshire, and read notes on the larval habits. They
fed mainly on lichen and lettuce. Mr. Newman, a curious specimen of " blue,"
which it was suggested might be a natural hybrid between A, coridon and
P. icarus, or A. thetis and P.'icarus, and also a ^ Pohjgonia c-albiitn with yellow
ground, of which ten others had been reared. Mr. Sich, Limenitis populi, taken
by Mr. E. Sich in Austria. Mr. Moore, Perrhijhis pyn-ha, from Callao, Peru.
Mr. Turner, a teratological specimen of Danais limniace, with a long indenta-
tion in the dwarfed left fore-wing. Mr. Buxton, a box of teratological
specimens, including a number of species with the left hind-wing dwarfed or
missing. Mr. Barnett, a series of Acidalia rusticata from Erith. Mr. E.. Adkin
read the Report of the Conference of Delegates of the Corresponding Societies
of the British Association. The remainder of the evening was devoted to the
exhibition of lantern slides by Messrs. Lucas, Dennis, West, Tonge, and Main.
Thursday, November 24^th. — The President in the Chair.
The Annual Exhibition of Varieties.
Mr. Piatt Barrett exhibited a very long series of Melanargia pherusa from
Sicily, also of M. galathea to show variou.s Sicilian local forms. Mr. Sich,
some of the more local species of the genus Tinea, including T. fulvimitrella,
T. picarella, T. confusella, &c. Mr. R. Adkin, a series of Eastbourne Polyom-
matus icarus, contrasting the spring and autumn ? s, showing strong develop-
ment of the red markings, and including a fine vinder-side aberration ; also
a short series of hybrid Nyssia zonaria and Biston hirtaria, ^ s and $ s. Mr.
Tonge, some extremely dark smoky Cosmotriche potatoria bred from Deal larvse,
a Brenthis euphrosyne with pale chocolate-brown ground, from Polegate, several
Agrotis exclamationis in which a large black blotch replaced the usual discal
markings, and some excellent enlarged photographs of eggs of Lepidoptera.
Dr. T. A. Chapman, a long series of Pararge egeria to show the great range of
variation in Western and South- Western Europe. Messrs. A. Harrison and
H. Main, several series of mainly bred Boarmia repandata to show the local
variation in the North, South, and West of England and the West of Ireland.
Mr. Main, on behalf of Mr. Gottmann, various forms of Vanessa io, Euvanessa
antiopa, and Aglais urticse from the Province of Yenesei, Siberia, extremely like
the forms so frequently produced of late in temperature experiments, and of
which Mr, W. Sclimassmann exhibited a considerable number for comparison.
46 [February,
Mr. W. J. Lucas, the English trap-door spider, Atyjms affinis, and several of its
silken tubes, with a Ptcrostichus madidus discovered in one of them, and a small
collection of butterflies taken by Patrol Leader S. F. Irwin on his visit to
Canada with Sir F. Baden Powell, including E. antiopa, Anosia plexiTpipus, &c.
Mr. H. M. Edelsten, a fine bred series of Dianthcecla hiteago var. harrettii from
Devon, Tapinostola extrema bred from Northampton, and a specimen of Leucania
l-alhum. Dr. Hodgson, groups of varieties of British Rhopalocera and Anthro-
cerids to show somewhat extreme divergence of variation in each of several
species and also to sliow convergence of species in their variation. Mr. A. E.
Gibbs, the various Palcearctic foi'ms of Papilio machaon, including a fine large
hritannims, an aurantiaca, and spring and siunmor forms of the Japanese
hippocrates. Mrs. Hemming', Argynnids bred and captured in 1909-10, includ-
ing melanic Bryas pap)liia and several under-sides of the same species varying
from brown to green. Captain Cardew, an extremely dark specimen of the ab.
fusca of Cosnohia rufa from Norfolk, Anthrocera incise ab. confusa, extremely
light and dark forms of Pidonia carhonaria from Eannoch, a unicolorous J of
Epione advenaria, and a light straw Ematurgu atomaria. Mr. Scorer, a Euchelia
jacohgsx with the costal streak and apical spot united, and a pale, salmon
coloured example, specimens of EucJdoe cardamines with very large discal spots,
and a Grammesia trilinea with a strongly elbowed outer discal line. Mr. Percy
Bright, a large niimbor of the finest aberrations of niinierous species of British
Lepidoptera, including- f oi'ty-one very striking examples of Abraxas grossulariata
from nearly unicolorous white to almost entirely yellow and a bred small speci-
men without scales, a Triphsena fimbria witli white replacing the yellow, an
extreme melanic Eubolia bipunctaria, a gynandromorph of Fidonia atomaria,
an adonis-like Polyommatus icarus, several Polygonia c-alhimi with straw-yellow
ground, a Pieris napi with blackish outer margins, an extremely blvie ? of
Agriades thetis with unusually large orange spots, a Pseudoterpna pruinata with
black bands across the wings, &c. Mr. E. Sovith, on behalf of Mr. Yates, of
St. Anne's-on-Sea, a series of Luperina gueneei taken this year and a series of
very varied forms of L. testacea, a short series of bred Phibalapteryx lapidata
from Glasgow ova, and three specimens of Oria (Synia) musculosa taken by
Mr. H. Haynes near Salisbury in 1909. The Eev. F. D. Morice, a collection of
about 300 of the most conspicuous and handsome European and Mediterranean
species among the Sawflies, Chrysids, Ants, Fossorial Wasps and True Wasps,
and gave a very interesting short account of the habits in the various groups.
Mr. H. W Andrews, a unicolorous grey form lacking the yellow markings of
the Di^jteron Prosena sybarita from North Kent. Mr. Edwards, niunerous West
African bvitterflies, chiefly of the genus Cymotlioe, which show strongly marked
sexual dimorphism. Mr. West (Greenwich), his collection of British Homoptera.
Mr. Masters, a Va^iessa atalanta, taken in Jersey, with blotched and confused
markings comparable only to those produced in recent temperatiu-e experiments
with the species. Mr. Blenkarn, a specimen of the genus Ephyra. with markings
suggestive of both E. porata and E. punctaria. Kev. J. E. Tarbat, a very light
form of Nemeophila plantaginis from South Hants, and a very dark form from
Witherslack. Mr. W. G. Sheldon, a fine series of all the European species of
Neptis, Apatura, and Limenitis taken by him in Himgary, Switzerland, and
inii.i 47
France. Mr. H. Page, two beautiful series of Polyommatus escheri and C(£no-
nympha dorus from Abries and Digne x'espectively, JiJiy, 1910. Mr. L. W.
Newman, long and varied series of closely inbred Enjiomos alniaria showing the
washed out appearance produced, a fine set of the melanic form of the species,
hybrid Smerinthus ocellatus $ x Amorphapopuli 9 (both S s and a ? ), a long series
of hand-painted figures of the finest aberrations bred by him ; on behalf of Mr.
Marshall, a BipMhera orion with only the orbicular spots present, Nodua subrosea
from the Bond collection, Melitsea artemis Avith heavily marked white wedges
on all the wings, &c. Mr. W. B. Pratt, ab. coracina of Melitasa athalia from
West Sussex, and M. aurinia with under-side of hind-wings having a black
base and an extremely wide white central band. Mr. W. J. Kaye, a complete
transitional series between Heliconius phyllis form anacreon and H. phyllis form
vcnusta from the same locality in East Bolivia. Mr. T. L. Barnett, a large
number of species taken by him this August in Wicken Fen, including Tapino-
stola hellmaniii, Leucania straminca, Nudaria scncx, Hcnninia cribralis, Bankia
argentula, Cwnobia rufa, &g., a bred specimen of Mgeria andrcniformis and its
pupa case, and specimens of JE. cidiciformis, which had been somewhat common
at Darenth Wood. — Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, November 16th, 1910. —
Dr. F. A. DiXEY, M.A., M.D., F.E.S., President, in the Chair.
The names of those nominated to serve as Officers and other Members of
the Council wei-e annomiced.
On the motion of the President, it was agreed unanimously to convey to
Mr. Eoland Trimen, F.E..S., the recipient of the Darwin Medal of the Eoyal
Society, the hearty congratulations of the Entomological Society of London.
Dr. Geoffrey Douglas Hale Carpenter, M.A., M.B., Uganda Medical Service,
Uganda Protectorate ; Mr. William B. Gurney, Assistant, Government Entomo-
logical Department of Agricultui-e, Sydney, N.S.W. ; and Mr. J. C. Hawkshaw,
Hollycomb, Liphook, Sussex ; were elected Fellows of the Society.
The Hon. N. C. Rothschild brought for exhibition some examples of a rare
Noctuid moth, Oxytripia orbiculosa, Esp., collected by himself and Miss Sarolta
von Wertheimstein, at Puszta Peszer, in Hungary, dui-ing the first week of
October of this year, where examples of both sexes were secured, and made
some remarks on the curious habits of the moth, illustrated by photogi-aphs of
one of the sandy spots in the wood it frequents ; he also exhibited examples of
two species of flea, Ctenocephalus canis (dog-flea) and C. felis (cat-flea), and
stated that, though still frequently considered to be identical, they were really
quite distinct species. Under the microscope it was seen that whereas the
head of the dog-flea was rounded, that of the cat-flea was long and flat.
Dr. G, Nicholson, the example of Lathrobium iongipcnne, Fairm., taken by him
at Eoydon, in May, 1910, of whicli a specimen was exhibited by Commander
J. J. Walker at the last meeting of the Society. Professor T. Hudson Beare,
specimens of three species of beetles, all taken abundantly liy him at Nethy
Bridge, Inverness-shire, during July and August, 1910, viz. : (a) Erirrhinus
48 [February, 1911
mthiops, ¥., found in great abvmdance in flood refiise on the banks of the Spey ;
(fe) Criocephalus rusticus, Dej., taken in niimbers in the stumps of, and in small
standing Scots fir trees in pine woods, swept over by a forest fire some few years
ago ; and (c) Zeugophora turneri, Pow., beaten in great profusion from aspens
growing near Loch-an-Eilan. Mr. W. C. Crawley, a colony of the ant Lasius
niger which had accepted as qxieen a ? of Lasius umbratus in 1908. Up to this
aixtiunn the only ants whicli had come to maturity in the nest were pure Lasius
niger, thus confirming Reichenbach's experiments that Lasius niger $ s are able
to prodiice ^ s parthenogenetically. In connection with Mr. Crawley's exhibit
Mr. H. St. J. Donisthorpe exhibited ^ <? , winged and wingless 9 9 and $ $ of
Lasius niger and L. umhratus for comparison. He remarked that unibratiis was
a scarce but widely distributed ant of considerable interest. Mr. Donisthorpe
also exhibited ^ ^ , winged and wingless $ 9 , and $ ? of Lasius fuliginosus,
and pointed out that it was now proved that the 9 9 of this ant often foixnded
their colonies with umhratus. Mr. W. J. Kaye, specimens of Eueides pavana
(Heliconidse), Actinote thalia (Acrxidae), and Dismorphia actinote from S. Brazil.
Comment was made as to the very close resemblance between the first two.
The resemblance was greatest on the vmder-side, but the upper-side also showed
considei-able convergence of coloiu-ing, The specimen of E. pavana exhibited had
been caught and papered by Mr. Kaye as an example of the common Actinote
thalia. The specimen of Dismorphia actinote caught on the Corcovado at Rio
de Janeiro, was shown principally as a mimetic species, for which a sharp
look-otit was kept, while the much more convergent Heliconidx had been passed
over, because iinsuspected. The Dismorphia, while only a partial approach to
the Actinote on the upper-side, was extremely close on the under-side, with the
hind-wing brought well over the forewing in an attitude of rest. Mr. L. W.
Newman, examples of Ahraseas grossulariata, bred October, 1910, as a second
brood, including two fine ab. varleyata g $ ; also an interesting Lyca;na sup-
posed to be a natural hybrid between Agriades thetis (hellargus) J x Poly-
ommatus icarus, 9 , taken wild near Folkestone, on September 10th last, with
specimens of A. coridon, A. thetis, and P. icarus for comparison. Mr. G. T,
Bethune-Baker having examined this exhibit, gave it as liis opinion that the
butterfly was merely an aberrant form of Polyommatus icarus. Mr. Philip J.
Bari-aud, a case containing several series of a large form of Satyrus statilinus
from the Aurunci Mts., Southern-Central Italy ; series of Par^iassius mnemo-
syne var. frilhstofcri, from Mt. Petrella, Aurunci Mts., 9000 ft. ; series of Colias
edusa and ab. helice, from Formia ; a very small specimen of Gonopteryx
cleopatra, measiu'ing 37 mm., from Formia ; and foiir examples of a large form
of Pam-phila comma from Southern-Central Italy.
The following papers were read : — " On the early stages of Latiorina
[Lycxna) orhitulus, Prun., an amyrmecophilous Plebeiid butterfly," and " On
the larva of Orgyia splendida, Ebr. (dubia)," by Dr. T. A. Chapman. "Notes
on Insect Enemies in the Tropics, and their Influence on Mimicry," by
Edward A. Cockayne. " New Genera and Species of Striphnopterygidx and
Lasiocampidse," by Professor Christopher Aurivillius, Hon. F.E.S. — H. Rowland-
Brown, Hon. Secretary.
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CONTENTS.
PAGE
Notes on the Life-Histories of Diorjctra abietella, Fab., and D. splendidella,
B..-S.— Eustace E. BanJces, M.A., F.E.S 25
Bledius pallipes and its allies in Britain. — D. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S 31
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Ancylus-like Mycetophilid larvae in Epping Forest. — Keppel R. Barnard 43
Halesus guttatipennis in Scotland in October. — William Evans 43
Obituaet.— James W. Tutt, F.E.S 44
SooiBTiES. — Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society 44
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E.M.A. del.
Andie & S!e:gh, Lid.
LIFE-HISTOK'V OF CHRYSOPA DOK'SALJS.
Marcb, 1911.] 49
NOTES ON CHRY80PA DORSALIS, Burm.
BY E. MAUDE ALDERSON, F.E.S.
Plate I.
On July 28tli, 1909, I received through the kiuduess of Mr.
itmore, of King's Lynn, three living examples of Chrysopa dorsalis,
Bunii., one J* and two $ ? . In the letter accompanying the insects,
Mr. Atniore informed me that the species was attached to Scotch fir,
so my first care was to provide them with a sprig of this tree, on
which to oviposit. The stem of the shoot was passed through a hole
bored in the bottom of a large chip box, resting on a vessel containing
water, and a glass jar, inverted over the top, formed a makeshift
vivarium, highly suitable for observation.
The insects on lieing liberated from the chip boxes, in which they
had travelled, became extremely active, fluttering up and down the
sides of the glass jar. One of the females, however, c^uickly settled
down amongst the fir " needles," and I had hopes, by the careful way
i which she examined them, that she was selecting a suitable position
for her eggs. In this I was not disappo ,3d, as by the next morning,
July 29th, a single glistening green egg had been laid, whilst a careful
scrutiny with the lens revealed several abortive attempts at oviposition,
the stalks of the eggs being present, but no more ova. I removed the
" needle " on which the single ovum was laid, for fear of accidents,
and awaited results, hoping for more ova next morning. To my
intense disappointment, however, the next day found the ovipositing
female dead, and also the only male.
All my hopes were now centred in the one tiny green atom, and it
was with considerable relief that I saw it begin to change colour on
the second day, and not shrivel up, as I half dreaded it would do.
A new anxiety, however, now arose — the question of food. Mr,
Atmore had distinctly stated that C. dorsalis was attached to Scotch
fir, and therefore presumably to those Aphides affecting the genus
Pinus. With these I was quite unacquainted, and, moreover, the
nearest fir trees were a mile or more away. The larva hatched out on
August 6th, and in some trepidation I offered the common Rose aphis,
Siphonophora rosm, Reaumur, but my doubts were soon set at rest, for
the aphides were accepted without any hesitation, and I subsequently
found such distinct species as Cliaitopliorvs saZicivoms, Walker, Rhopa-
losiphnm mjmplieese, Linn., CalHjjterus coryli, Goetze, and PhyUapliis
fagi, Linn., equally relished. The young larva continued to flourish,
and on August 10th apparently effected its first change of skin. The
50 [March,
second cliaiifre took place on tlie 14th. I observed no more before it
commenced to spin, on the 20th, in the folds of a leaf. The cocoon
was completed by the next day, and the perfect insect emerged the
following year, on May 30th, 1910.
It will now perhaps be interesting to follow the fortunes of the
other female. After the death of the other pair, I was undecided
whether to kill her off, and so make sure of a good specimen for the
cabinet, or to keep her alive for a few days longer. I had not observed
that any pairing had taken place during the two days that the three
had been together, and when a week passed and no ova were laid,
I quite gave u}) hopes of any more, as my experience with wild
imagines has always gone to prove that, unless ova are deposited
immediately after capttu-e they are very seldom laid afterwards. She
was such a beautiful example, however, and seemed so active and
vigorous, that I thought I would experiment and see how long I could
keep her alive. Accordingly, after some ten days' confinement, I
thought I would try her with a little sugar and water. I introduced
a drop into the j lass, and to my intense surprise she at once fed from
it, lapping the sweet liquid r(uite greedily. After this, I fed her at
inteiwals of a few days, always with the same result, and by this
means I kept her alive for just a month. I found her dead on
August 28th, and even then she made a very fair cabinet specimen.
This small experiment was very interesting to me, as I did not
think the imaginal existence of a Chrysopid in a wild state extended
to so long a period ; and it also suggested to me, that possibly Aphides
may phty an important part in the food of the imagines, as well as of
the larvse, by pioviding them with honey dew. But the most interest-
ing feature of my second female's existence was that she provided me
with seventeen more ova. I suppose she must have paired with the
odd male when I put them all together on July 28th. On August 12th
I found eight ova on the fir " needles." By the 14th two more had
been laid. Another on the 15th, yet another on the 16th, and five
more on the 18th.
The first laid ova hatched on the 16th and 17th, and others
followed on August 24th, 25th, and 28th. These larvae took longer to
feed up than the first one, the larval period lasting nearly a month.
This I think was owing to the colder weather. The fortnight of the
first larva's existence comprised the only hot spell of weather which
we experienced during the very wet and cold summer of 1909, and
I have always found that the larvEe of the Chrysopich^ develop much
more rapidly in heat than in a cold temperatiu-e, when they seem to
become shiggish, and to show a reluctance to feed.
1911.] 51
Only four of these larva3 emerfijed successfully on the following-
dates, May yOth, June 7th, June 10th, Jime 11th, of 1910. Of the
rest, I preserved three in formalin at different periods of growth ;
several of the ova were destroyed by the emerging larva3, which are
most dangerous in this respect, freqiiently attacking the ova near
them before one has had time to realise they are clear of their egg
shells. One larva was attacked when full grown and on the point of
spinning and eaten by another and larger individual. One or two also
got disturbed in spinning, and attempted to pupate without covering,
a proceeding I have always found fatal to successfvil emergence. One
other imago emerged successfully, but was unable to cast its pupal
covering, and died in a crippled condition.
G. dorsalis is, to my thinking, c[uite the handsomest British repre-
sentative of the family. The brilliant " apple-green " of the body
parts contrasts most vividly with the deep, almost velvety blackness of
the various markings. The eyes are a brilliant bronzy-green, wdth a
coppery sheen on them. The head parts are yellow. A dark ring runs
round the eyes, and there are two other distinct dark markings. The
antenna?, are yellowish, darker ringed. The first joint is yellow, the
rings becoming closer together towards the apex, which gives the
antennse the appearance of gradually deepening in colour. The pa/^i
are dark madder ringed with straw-colour. The tvhigs are very
iridescent and somewhat thickly clothed with hairs posteriorly. The
coloration of the venation is peculiar, and as far as I have observed
constant. It is some what Jcomplicated and best explained by the Plate.
The stigma is of a lovely soft shade of quiet olive, which gives the
finishing touch to an exquisite combination of colour. Most of the
imagines have a peculiar diamond- shaped mark, black, on the throat,
round wdiich is a suffusion of faint tiu'quoise blue. The legs are
green, black haired, the joints of the tarsi being much darkened with
brown. A point of distinction, and of great structural importance,
between C. dorsalis and C. perla (wdiicli species it most resembles in
Britain) is that the tarsal claws are simple in dorsalis, and much
dilated in jjerla. This point of difference is shown in the Plate, by a
drawing taken from a photograph, for which I am miich indebted to
Mr. A. E. Tonge, and also to Dr. Chapman, who kindly prepared the
slides from which the photographs were taken. Mr. Tonge has also
kindly " manipulated " a very imperfect negative of the larva of
C. dorsalis, which now gives some idea of the general appearance and
markings, and for this I also owe him many thanks, as otherwise my
paper would have had to appear without any representation of the
larva.
£2
52 ■ [March,
The ova of C. dorsalis are 0.8 mm. in lengtli, ovoid in form, and of a beautifixl
shade of f iJl, rich green. They are attached to the footstalks by the smaller end,
and are laid singly and not in a cluster, as in the case of some other species.
The footstalks measure aboxit 85 mm. Emergence takes place from the apex of
the ovum. I do not think the shells are eaten by the yoving larvte, the actiial
egress being made by the rupture of the shell through the strviggles of the
young larva within. By the second day a change of colour begins to take
place. Tlie ovmn darkens at one side, the apex and remaining portion showing
a light yellowish shade of green. On the fifth day, the ovum appeared greyish
to the naked eye, but through a lens the embryo could plainly be seen showing
throiTgh the trai:sparent shell, the rings of the liody appearing as transverse
bars. The first ovum liatched on the eighth day, l^ut otliers emerged on the
ninth, and some en the tenth day after oviposition.
The larvse, when newly hatched, measiu'e just under 2 mm. in length.
Colour, transparent whitish. Head with characteristic markings, and eyes
a faint brown. Sucking sjiears and antennm white, transparent ; legs ditto.
Thorax pale yellowish-green. Ahdo7nen ringed with reddish-brown. Warts
with two whitish hairs, which are long in this species, giving it in general
appearance a very hairy look. With reference to the head markings, I may
remark here, that I have found these constant and also distinct in every species
of Chrysopa which I have yet bred ; indeed, I think it shoiild be quite easy to
identify different species in the larval stage from these markings alone. I am
trying to collect drawings or photographs of each of our British species, and
should be very glad to receive larva? of any I have not yet been able to
meet with.
The newly hatched larv£B remained motionless for nearly foiu- hoixrs after
emergence, and some of them, as I found to my cost when too late, attacked
other ova lying near them, if not removed as soon as activity commenced.
I could not discover more than two ecdyses, though it seems difficult to believe
that the larva can attain its full size, 8 to 9 mm., with only two changes. The
first change seems to take place aboiit the fourth or fifth day, the second from
four days to a week or so afterwards, the period varying with the rapidity or
otherwise of the feeding up. When full growai the larva; become much more
sluggish. In general appearance they strike one as very hairy, but I do not
think they show any real disposition to cover themselves with Aphis skins,
though these frequently got entangled in the long hairs, and were involun-
tarily carried about. When a change of skin is effected the larva attaches
itself to some (convenient spot by its Itail, hanging head downwards. The
change is complete, even to thejsucking spears.
Tlie most striking featiire in the general appearance of the larvse
is the conspicuous marking of the meso- and meta-thorax. These
segments, including the conspicuous warts on the sides, are wholly
dark bro^oi, with the exception of a quadrate- shaped spot in the
middle of each of a lighter shade. The rest of the markings are of
the complicated order general to the Chrysopids, and after one or two
attempts, I quite failed to get anything like a life-like drawing, which
1911.]
53
I iiiiicli regret. A few details, noted down at the time, are perhaps
better than iiothiiig ; but the larvae of all Chrysopids are most
difficult to describe iu such a way as to give any real idea of them.
The length of the larvae at the second change is 5 mm. When
fully grown they increase to about 8 mm.
In the last skin the
head is shining whitish.
Characteristic markings and
eyes very dai'k brown, al-
most black, a dark line
running through the eyes.
Sucking spears, pale mad-
der-brown, crimson at the
tips. Palpi transparent
whitish shading to mad-
der at the tips. Legs
transparent whitish. Tarsi
brownish, ringed with dark
fuscous, knees brown. Tho-
rax whitish - yellow, with
dark madder markings. A
large wart at the angle of
each segment from which
springs from 6 — 9 black hairs. Ahdome^i pale green with dark madder- markings.
The first six segments have warts at the sides, whitish, with 5 — 10 long black
and white hairs mixed. Two second middle rows of smaller warts run down
the back of these segments, one on each side of the dividing line, and pale
greenish in colour. The central line is dark madder and runs down the whole
length of the back, from the prothorax to the tail. The underneath parts are
pale green, fading to whitish at the sides, which shows up as a conspicuous
white line against the dark upper parts when the larva is viewed sideways.
Two broad madder stripes run down the underneath part of the abdomen.
The cocoons were spun in the folds of a leaf or in any convenient
place. They measure about 4 mm. in length, and are longer than
broad. They do not differ from the ordinary Chrysopid pattern.
Emergence takes pl^ce from the apex, the cocoons opening by means
of a small lid. The pupal covering is cast very quickly, the imago
escaping by a slit in the thorax. In all cases where emergence took
place successfully, it did not occur until the following spring.
The accompanying table gives the complete dates of the life-
history of two of the larvse. The first one completed its lai-val
existence in a fortnight, owing to the high temperature prevailing at
the time ; the second, hatching later, took almost twice as long.
54 [March,
Ovum laid. Hatched. Ist Change. 2nd Change. Spun up. Emerged.
July 29tli ... Aug. 6tli ... Aug. 10th... Aug. lith ... Aug. 20th ... May 20th
Aug. 18th ... Aug. 28th... Sept. 3rd ... Sept. 10th ... Sept. 24th ... June 10th
Chrysopa dorsaUs was first discovered in England by the late
Mr. Alfred Beaumont, at Oxshott, in Surrey, on July 7tli, 1900. It
was subsequently described by the late Mr. McLachlan in the Ent.
Mo. Mag., vol. xxxvii, p. 39. Since then I am not aware of its having
occurred in any other British locality, with the exception of the one in
Norfolk, from which the specimens I received were sent.
Before bringing this paper to a close, I should like to place on
record my indebtedness to Mr. Atmore for his kindness in enabling
me to breed this handsome and rare British species. I had long
cherished a wish to work out its life-history, but it was a desire I never
expected to see realised, so iny pleasure was all the greater ; and more
particularly, as the insects were sent in response to a casually expressed
wish, contained in some correspondence which I had had with Mr.
Atmore a year previously. I only wish I had been better qualified to
reap to the full the advantage of an experience which falls to the lot
of few, the delight of watching and recording for the first time the
metamorphoses of a hitherto unobserved British insect. I trust
Mr. Atmore may be able to supplement tliese few notes, at some
future date, with further observations taken in the field, in his unique
position of being able to study the insects in their natural habitat and
surroundings.
Worksop, Notts. :
December 2nd, 1910.
FURTHER NOTES ON CHRY80PA DORSALIS, Bukm.
BY E. A. ATMORE, F.E.S.
Miss Alderson has very Idndly forwarded to me her manuscript
" Notes on C. dorsalis " prior to their publication in this Magazine,
th\is giving me an opportunity of supplementing them with observa-
tions of my own. And first of all, I heartily congratulate Miss
Alderson upon the success she has achieved in rearing this interesting
insect from the egg. Moreover, I willingly accede to her request that
I should put on record a little of my experience of this Chrysopid.
It is (j[uite true that it has been my good fortune to be able to watch
1911.] 55
the liabits of this beautiful insect iu its restricted Norfolk haunts for
the last few years, and I trust that these additional notes may not be
without interest to some of your readers.
In some seasons C. dorsalis puts in an appearance here at the end
of June, but as a rule it is not to be met with until about July 3rd to
the 7th or 8th, and perhaps about the middle of July is the best time
to search for it in normal seasons, although I have met with stragglers
in the first few days of August, which, however, is quite the exception.
The live specimens I sent to my correspondent were three out of sixteen
which I captiu-ed on July 27th, 1909, which goes to show that the
insect was fairly plentiful at that late date of the month. Looking
up my notes, I find that C. dorsalis was by no means uncommon in
1906 ; that it occurred in greater numbers in 1907 and 1908 ; that it
was not so plentiful in 1909, and was comparatively scarce in 1910,
when a very few only were observed. I suspect that the general
scarcity of many insects in this district in the last two years, doubtless
caused by the prevalence of a,bnormally wet and cold weather with
very little sunshine, would also account in a great measure for the
noticeable scarcity of Chrysopidai. I quite endorse Miss Aldersou's
remark that C dorsalis is a very handsome species, and the points of
distinction between C. dorsalis and C. perla are so fully given by her,
that it is not necessary for me tt) enumerate them here. But, I may
say further, from a careful examination of scores of specimens, tha-^
the markings and points by which the subject of these notes should
be readily distinguished from the common C jjerla, its closest British
ally, are fairly constant and reliable. The black subcosta is alone
sufficient to separate it at a glance from C. 'perla, and of course the
important structural differences in the tarsal claws of the two species
as shown in the Plate should not be omitted.
And now for the habits of the two species : — The wings of
C. dorsalis are stronger than those of C. perla, and from this circum-
stance, as might be expected, the former has a much more powerful
flight, and is in every way more restless and active. C. dorsalis is
never seen on the wing in the day time, imless distin-lied from the
Scotch fir trees to which it nuist be exclusively attached, since I have
never beaten out a specimen from any other tree. When disturbed by
the beating stick or otherwise, it generally flies out vigorouslv to a
considerable distance, unless other fir trees are near, in which case it
makes at once for them, settles in the branches, and quickly hides
therein. Nor does it fly out therefrom at one's approach, unless the
branches are again disturbed. But so active is C. dorsalis on the
56 [March,
wing (tlie most active of all the species with which I am acquainted),
that it is not always easily captured.
The flight of C. perla, on the other hand, is heavy, or perhaps
would be best described as weak in comparison, and when disturbed
it flies along very slowly, and is therefore far more readily netted.
C peria seems also to be much attached to Scotch fir and other fir
trees, but not exclusively so, for I have disturbed many specimens
from other trees, particularly from birch and sallow. Sometimes both
species are dislodged at the same time from Scotch fir, but I have
never found any difiiculty in recognising C. dorsalis on the wing, so
conspicuous is it by its darker colour and more rapid flight.
Both species when disturbed resemble each other in one respect,
viz., that they will sometimes fly at once to the grovmd. Moreover,
both species fly naturally at dusk, and then it is that the slower flight
of C. perla is most marked, and of course nearly all the specimens
captured at twilight or dusk will be C. perla, the rapid flight and
darker colour of the other species making it more difficult to see, and
thus enabling it to get away.
In common with the Chrysopidm generally, C. dorsalis, when
handled, emits a peculiarly disgusting odour ; but even in this respect
the principal subject of these notes compares f avovu'ably with C. perla,
which probably may well be considered to be the most " odoriferous "
of all the British Chrysopids.
King's Lynn, Norfolk :
December, 1910.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.
Ova of Chrysopa dorsalis x 10.
1 —1st day 'I
2 — 2nd day j- . . .Coloration.
3 —3rd day j
4 — Body markings of C. dorsalis x Si.
5 — Ova on Scotch Fir — natural size.
6 — Head markings of C. dorsalis — larva.
7 — Wings of C. dorsalis x 4, showing coloration of venation.
8 — Tarsal claws of C. dorsalis (simple).
8a — „ „ C. perla (mnch dilated).
(From a photograph by Mr. A. Tonge, magnification 72 diameters).
1911.] 57
A NEW BRITISH QUEDIUS.
BY D. SHARP, M.A., F.R.S.
QUEDIUS HAMMIANUS, SJJ. n.
Q. (s. str. (ian^lb.), Elon(iatti.s,suJ)paraUelus, niger,elijtris ri(fis,a)dennis
pedibu.s-gui' panUie rufix, tihiis /oiioi-lbu-'i j)/us minusve infuxrafls ; tJytris
tliorace parum hrexnorihus. Lon<i. corp., 15 mm., lat., 21 mm.
Hah. : Anglia.
This species is very closely allied to Q. molochinus, but is perfectly
distinct ; it is a little larc^er, ^perceptibly broader, brighter in colour,
the elytra are just a little longer, the wings ai'e 7 nun. long and pointed
(in molochinus they are 4| mm. long and very obtuse), and subtruncate
at the extremity. If the wings are cut oft' so as to exhibit the full
length, then | mm. should be added to the above measurements. The
sedeagus shows good distinctions ; but the external abdominal charac-
ters of the two are very much alike.
I have named this insect in honour of Mr. A. H. Hanim, of the
Oxford University Museum, an excellent Natviralist and a kind friend.
The species was pointed out to me as distinct by the late Gr. R. Crotch
qu^ite forty years ago, but I have not specially investigated it until
now. Apparently it is rather rare, and is probably a coast insect, as
I have found it only at Deal, Strood, Lyniington and Hayling Island.
Brockenhiirst :
February 10th, 1911.
BLEDIUS FRACTICORNIS AND ITS BRITISH ALLIES.
BY D. SHARP, M.A., P,R.S.
This group of species is distinguished by there being no open
chink on the side of the prothorax, by the pronotum possessing a
channel on the middle, and by the existence of a rather large delicate
membrane on the hind part of the fifth ventral segment in the male.
B.fracticornis is the type of the genus Tadunus of Schiodte. In his
genus Bargiis (of which fallipes is the type) there is an open chink,
over the coxae, on the prothorax, and the males do not have a mem-
brane on the fifth ventral plate.
(1) BlEDIUS FRACTICORNIS, Er.
The species standing under this name in our collections in this
country is, I think, refiUy the B. fradicornis of Erich son, but it
can scarcely be the Staphylimis fraciicornis of Paykull, who says
" thorax subtilissime punctatus . . . elHra sul>tilissime punctata
. . . pedes fusco-biamnei." Erichson quoted Paykull as the originator
of the name, but he does not appear to have seen the specimens in
58 [March,
Paykull's collection. Paykull cites Gylleulial as the captor of liis
species, and Ericlison appears to have receive many specimens from
him. The probability therefore is that as no other Bledii were de-
scribed by Paykull,* though he wrote a Monograph of the Swedish
Stwpliijlinidse, that he mixed more than one species under the name of
fracticornis, and that Gryllenhal subsequently sent an exponent of our
fracticornis to Erichson as an example of Paykull's species. However
that may be, I think we ought to accept Erichson's decision.
B. fracticornis appears to be far from abundant in this country.
I have myself found only one specimen at Hammersmith Marshes,
April 16th, 1863 ; but Mr. de la Garde finds it at Braunton, and Mr.
Cliampion at Woking. Large examples of B. femoralis are apt to be
confounded with it, hut fraefieornls is rather larger and broader, has
clear yellow legs and antennse, and the sexual characters of the two
are diiferent. In fracticornis the hind margin of the fifth ventral
plate terminates in the middle as a delicate white transparent mem-
brane ; in front this membrane joins the body of the plate in a very
evident curvilinear manner, and at the point of junction on the hind
margin of the two tissues there is thus formed a very obtuse, but
distinct, angle, which does not project as a tooth.
(2) — Bledius LiETiOR, Muls. & Key.
We have in England a Bledius considered to be a variety of frac-
ticornis with red elytra. Though it appears to be very rare, 1 have no
doubt that it is a distinct species, and I believe that it will prove to be
the B. Ixtior of Mulsant & Rey. All that is known about the species
is a remark made by the French authors at the end of their description
of B. fracticornis (Col. Fr., Oxyteliens, p. 151), " La couleur des
elyti-es passe du noir au roux de poix et meme au roux vif a region
scutellaire a peine rembrunie. Dans cette derniere variete, on trouve
une forme un peu moindre, a angles posterieurs du prothorax un peu
moins arrondis, et qui a tout Fair d'une espece particuliere {Bledius
Isetior, nobis)."
This applies perfectly to the insect under consideration, except as
to size. The British insect is almost the same length as B. fracticornis,
but is slightly broader ; it has thicker legs, the elytra are bright red,
more or less blackish about the base and suture, the thorax is broader,
so as to be distinctly transverse, and the hind angles have not so com-
pletely disappeared. In the male the membrane on the margin of the
fifth ventral segment is less extensive, aiid there is no angle formed on
the hind margin at its junction with the harder tissue.
In the European Catalogue B. Jxtior is placed as a synonym of
B. fracticornis var. elongafus, Mannh. This, however, is certainly
* Paykull described, it is true, Staphi/linus tricornis, but he say.s it was found in dung, and
he say.s nothing about its geniculate anteun.'B, though he considered that feature the important
diagnostic of his ^'. fracticornis.
1911.]
59
erroneous. The Russian Author gives elongatus as a distinct species
(Precis &c., 1830, p. 45) "5. elongatus mihi. Elongatus, niger, sub-
nitidus, profunde punctatus, eljtrorum macula oblonga rufa, pedibus
pallidis, thorace orbiculato, obsolete canaliculato. Petropoli in terra
argillacea semel eaptus. Medius quasi inter Bl. tricnrnem et fracti-
cornem , illo paruni brevior, sed fere duplo angustior, thorace convexiore
luutico et colore prreterea facile dignoscitur."
Mannerheiin received his " fracficornis " from Gjllenhal (as I
suppose Erichson to have done), and as I think whatever his elongatus
may he, it is not Ixtior, Muls. We shall do well to apply the name
Ixtior to our British insect till further information shall be produced.
B. Isetior was found in Yorkshire (Scarborough or neighbourhood)
by W. Lawson, and four specimens from this source are extant in Mr.
Champion's collection, 3&1 ? (one of which he has kindly given me).
There are 2 ? in my own collection, one of which I found "at Hammer-
smith Marshes, May 2nd, 1868, while the other has no laliel ; and in
Mr. de la Garde's collection a male, originally from the Crotch collection.
(3)— B. sp. n. ?
In Mr. Champion's collection there is a male I cannot reconcile
with any description. It is slightly larger than B. fracticorms, and
has the elytra of a dark red colour. The 5th ventral is abruptly and
deeply emarginate, the emargination being longer and narrower than
hifracticornis or leetior. This individual came originally from the
Power collection.* I myself possess a female which I have little doubt
is of the same species, If the number " 1224 " it bears be in my
handwriting, this specimen was found in flood refuse on the banks of
the ISTith below Thornhill, September 4th, 1875. But I doubt whether
it is my handwriting, and if not the specimen is from some other
source ; possibly from Dr. Power,
(4) B. FEMORALIS, Cyll.
This species is extremely close to B. fracticornis, but is on the
average a little smaller, with somewhat darker legs and base of the
antennae, and the male characters are more pronounced, there being a
very distinct tooth on each side of the 5th ventral segment at the
junction of the membranous part with the harder part. This is
doubtless the Oxytelus femoralis of G-yllenhal ; he gave this name to
the species to distinguish it from the paler legged fracticornis. Erich-
son did not know the sexes.
B. femoralis in the south of England is much commoner than
fracticornis, but I have not seen it from the north, I have known
large specimens to be named fracticornis in collections. Both the
species vary a good deal, and femoralis often has the elytra of a brown
or brown-red colour.
I may here correct an error in my note as to Bledius terebrans,
anted p. 34 : " Closely," the last word of line 7, is a mistake for
" coarsely."
Brockenhurst : Jan. 30th, 1911
•Similar siiecimcns in the Power collection are laliclled as liaving been taken at Brentford. — G.C.C.
60 [March,
DESCEIPTIONS OF THREE NEW SCANDINAVIAN
THTSANOPTEBA (TUBULIFEBA) .
BY RICHARD S. BAGNALL, F.L.S.
In June, 1909, I had occasion to journey to Norway on certain
business matters, and returning by Sweden and Denmark I was able
to do a little collecting in each of these countries, devoting my atten-
tion chiefly to the Thysanoptera and a section of the Collembola. In
these groups I was fortunate enoiigh to discover several new species,
of which three, belonging to the TubuUfera, are here described.
I was greatly impressed by the large variety of thrips that were
to be seen iu the greatest profusion on the hills and in the beautiful
forests and fields of southern Norway, and believe that many species
vet remain to be discovered in that country, whilst a number of those
described by Reiiter from Finland will undoubtedly be met with.
Sub-Order TUBULIFERA.
Cryptothrips major, sj). nov.
9 . Length, 3'4 mm.
Blackish-brown, segmentation of abdomen lighter, third antennal joint
yellow tinged with light brown towards apex.
Closely related to C. latus, Uzel, and C. nigripes, Kent. Head with cheeks
straight, widening from eyes to base, where it is widest ; space between eyes
equal to twice the breadth of an eye ; ocelli small, posterior pair very widely
separated and placed above a line di-awn through posterior third of eyes and
close to their inner margins. Antennae more than one and a half times as long
as the head; relative length of joints, 5 : 7: 11: 10: 10: 8'5: 5'5: 5.
Prothorax transverse, only slightly more than one-half as long as the head
and more than twice as broad as long. Spine at anterior angle moderately
lon<'', and pair at posterior angles very long (one-half the length of prothorax),
and slightly curved. A minnte seta on each side of the median line near
posterior margin.
Pterothorax transverse ; wings absent. Legs as in C. latus, tarsi only
slio"htly lighter in colour than the tibiae. Abdomen oblong-ovate, one and
one half times as broad as prothorax, sides subparallel to the sixth segment and
thence o-radiially converging to base of tube. Tube two-thirds the length of
head sides straight, converging from base to tip ; twice as broad at base as at
tip and two and three-qviarters as long as broad at base. Terminal hairs and
those at apex of ninth segment two-thirds the length of tvibe ; other abdominal
hairs short, moderately strong and light coloiired.
Hahitat : Norway, a single example taken by beating the leaves
of a lime tree. Bygdo, near Christiania, June 27th, 1909. ^
From C. nigripes this species may be separated by its larger size,
its shorter and broader head (twice as long as broad in C. nigripes)
and relatively longer antennae. C. major also closely approaches
1911.1 Gl
C. lains, but it is mucli Larger, lias the abdomen distinctly oblong-
ovate (instead of broadly oviform), and possesses much shorter
abdominal bristles.
From the Nearctic form C. rectangnlaris, Hood, the present
species differs in having a longer bristle at each anterior angle of the
prothorax, and in the apparent absence of the posterior marginal
pair.
GrENus HiNDSiANA, Karmj, 1910.
Hindsiana flavicincta, an Ant1iothri'[>s-\\\ie form, has recently been
described by Karny from Austria as the type of a new genus. I had
had the same form in my possession (from Hungary) and set aside
for description for some time, and recently recording it I then accepted
Karny's genus with some hesitation.* Wliilst very distinct from
H. flavicincta the following species possesses certain features which
serve to show its affinities with that insect, and I would point out an
important character common to both of them — namely, the forms and
positions of the abdominal bristles. In some recent memoirs I have
suggested that taxonomically the chsetotaxy is of considerable im-
portance in the study of the Thysanoptera, and I fully believe that
this will be amply proved by further research.
Hindsiana Melaleuca, sjj. nov.
? . Length, 1'6 mm. ; breadth of mesothorax 0"22 mm. Exceptionally
long and narrow, being seven times as long as its breadth across the middle of
the abdomen.
Colour light lemon-yellow, almost white, head and prothorax uniform
dark brown, pterothoi-ax a lighter shade of bro^\^l and yellowish towards the base
of abdomen ; tube same coloiu* as the head, darkest across basal-third and at
sides ; ninth abdominal segment light brown shaded to yellowish towards base.
Antennae with the first joint of a rather deeper yellow, and the seventh and
eighth joints bro'svn, Fore-coxse brown and fore-femur basally brown, but
shaded distally to yellow ; intermediate coxae light yellowish-brown.
Head one and one-quarter times as long as broad through centre, cheeks
very slightly and gently widened behind eyes and thence parallel to base ; eyes
small, occupying laterally a little more than one-fifth the total length of head,
interocular space twice the breadth of one of them ; ocelli small, the space
between hind pair about three times the diameter of one of them ; front ocellus
overhanging, posterior pair above a line drawn across centre of eyes and near
their inner margins ; postocular bristles knobbed, erect, and placed well back
and rather near lateral margins. Mouth-cone only reaching one-third of the
distance across prostemum, broadly rounded at tip, and two-fifths as long as
broad at base. Maxillary palpi long and stout, with an exceptionally long
sense-bristle and a short one at tip. Antennae one and two-thirds as long as
* Bagnall, Ann. Mus. Nat. Hung., HUO.
62 [March,
head ; relative leng-ths of joints 8 : 14 : 14 : 16 : 14 : 12 : 14 : 8.5 ; second joint
constricted at base and truncate at apex, three-fifths as broad as long ; third
obconical, foi;rth and fifth broadly claviform, sixth oviform and constricted
near base, seventh elongated, more than twice as long as broad and truncate at
apex, the apical joint narrowed to tip ; joints 2 — 4 equally broad and 6 and 7
two-thirds as broad as either of them. A pair of light-coloiired and indistinct
sense-cones on each of the segments 3 — 6.
Prothorax three-quarters the length of head, and one and two-fifths as
broad across hind angles as long, or one and three-quarters as wide across fore-
coxas as long ; fore-margin narrowly emarginate, hind margin arcuate Bristles
at posterior and anterior angles and the mid-lateral pair present, erect and
knobbed, others apparently obsolete ; the j^air at posterior angles the longest,
being about one-third as long as the prothorax and half as long again as the
fore-coxal spine, which is similarly knobbed. Pterothorax about as broad as
the prothorax, narrower than width across the fore-coxJE, longer than broad,
the metathorax being exceptionally long. Wings reaching to about the fifth
abdominal segment, fore-wing apparently constricted near middle, cilia long
and widely separated ; median vein absent. Legs stout, fore-fem\ar long and
less than one-half as broad as long ; all the tarsi dark brown on the chitinous
part of the second segment on the inner side ; fore-tarsal tooth apparently
absent. Two exceptionally long and slender bristles at apical third of inter-
mediate tibiffi and a similar bristle on hind tibia, which has a short spine at
apex without.
Abdomen occiipying two-thirds the total length of the insect ; very gently
and slightly widened to fifth segment and narrowing from seventh to base of
tube. Tube slightly more than one-half as long as head, twice as long as
broad at base and one-half as wide at tip as at base ; terminal bristles excep-
tionally long, tapering and coloiu-less towards tips, almost twice as long as the
tube ; those at apex of ninth abdominal segment similar to, and as long as, the
terminal ones. Bristles on eighth segment knobbed, lateral bristle of seventh
segment rather long and tapering, and apparently not knobbed, all other abdo-
minal hairs shorter', straight and knobbed.
Habitat : Denmark, a siiig-le example taken on a cruciferous
flower in tlie Palm House of the Botanical Gardens, Copenhagen,
June 30th, 1909.
Phlceotheips brevicollis, sp. nov.
? . Length, 2'5 mm. ; breadth of mesothorax 048 mm.
Like Phloeothrips coriaceus ; diifering in having the third antennal joint
much shorter, subequal in length to the fovu-tli and having the distal half
shaded with brown, Avhilst all the antennal joints are relatively shorter and
broader.
The head is one-fifth longer than broad and has the cheeks set with fewer
and much more minute spine-set warts, whilst the surface of the head is less
strongly coriaceous, and the fore-femora are almost smooth. The mouth-cone
is rather pointed and reaches to the base of the presternum.
The fore-tibia is shaded with brown, darkest at the outer edge, and is clear
iflii.] 03
yellow at apex ; the intermediate and hind-tibiae are yellow at knees, but only
slightly tinged with yellowish-brown at apices ; and the rows of short, stout
spines so conspicuous in the hind-tibiae of P. coriaceus are apparently obsolete
in this sjjecies. The wings are broad and lightly shaded with brown to the
apical third.
The prothorax is strongly transverse, only two-thirds as long as the head
and one-half as long as broad ; the bristles are short and knobbed, the pair at
posterior angles being the longest ; and the spines on the fore-coxae are short
and stout. The tube is five-sixths as long as the head and about three and
one-half times as long as broad at basal third, thus ))eing slightly shorter and
stouter than in P. coriaceus. The rather long lateral abdominal bristles seen in
P. coriaceus are replaced by quite short ones in the present species.
Habitat : Norway, oue female taken by beating lime trees at
Bygdo, near Cliristiauia, June 27tli, 1909, together with Dendrothrips
tilise, Uzel, numerous examples of an apparently new species of JEoJo-
thrips and larva3, Cephalotlirlps monilicornis (Reut.), and Cryptotlirips
major, sp. n.
Easily recognised by the form of antennae, smoother cheeks, the
sliorter and more transverse prothorax, with shorter and more
noticeably clubbed setae, and the shorter abdominal bristles, which
are also differently arranged.
Penshaw Lodge,
Penshaw, Co. Durham :
• November 7th, 1910.
ON THE OCCUREENCE IN NOETH AMEEICA OF THE EUEOPEAN
ERISTALIS (ESTRACEUS, L.
BY ERNEST E. AUSTEN.
More than sixty years ago, under the name SyrpJms cestriformis,
the species mentioned in the title of this note was re-described by
Walker* from a single female collected by Mr. Barnston at Martin's
Palls, Albany Eiver, Ontario, Canada, about the year 1843. Since
then the insect appears never to have been met with again in North
America, and its true designation has remained entirely unsuspected.
Osten Sacken, who examined Walker's type in the British Museum,
pointed out that it is " a rather peculiar Eristalis,"f and Williston,J
in his " Synopsis," merely reproduced Walker's original description
and Osten Sacken' s note without further comment.
* F Walker, List of the Snecimens of Dipterous Insects in the Collection of the British
Museum. Part III, p. .i73 (184y).
t C. R. Osten Sacken, Catalogue of the described Diptera of North America, p. 249, note
227 (1878).
t S. W. WilUston, Synopsis of the North American Syrphid:o (Bulletin of the United States
National Museum, No. 31), pp. 170, 177 (IbSti).
64) [March,
111 July, 1910, a beautiful female of Eristalis oestraceus, L., was
taken by Herr Quecliiau, Konigliclier Forster, in the vicinity of Pait,
near Gross Krauleiden, East Prussia, on the blossoms of either wild
radish {Raphanus raphanistrnm, L.) or purple loosestrife (Lythrum
salicaria, L.). This specimen was acquired by the Hon. N. C. Roth-
schild, who most generously presented it to the British Museum
(Natural History), and it was while deterinining it with a view to its
incorporation into the National Collection that the winter made the
discovery that Eristalis (Syrphus) oestriformis, Walk., is a synonym of
E. oestraceus (Musca cestracea), L. Thus one more species is added
to the already fairly lengthy list of Syrpliidie^ knoAvn to be common to
Europe and North America.
Eristalis oestraceus, which measures some 14 mm. (rather more
than half an inch) in length, exhibits, in the case of the male at any
rate, a general resemblance to E. intricarius, L., but is distinguishable
at once owing to the presence of a large, quadrate, dark brown blotch
(wanting or indistinct in the male) on each wing ; a further distinctive
character is that in E. oestraceus the first three joints of the middle
and hind tarsi are ochraceous-buft" or ochraceous-ruf ous. The head and
body of the female E. oestraceus are black, except the scutellum,
which is straw-yellow; the face is clothed on each side with whitish-
yellow pollen and hair, there is a broad band of similarly coloured hair
occupying the scutellum and hind margin of the main portion of the
dorsum of the thorax, the first abdominal segment is gi'eyish-poUinose
and bears whitish-yellow hair, and the hairy covering of the distal
extremity of the abdomen is orange- ochraceous or ochre-yellow.
British Museum (Natural History) :
January 26th, 1911.
The collections, <^'c., of the late Mr. Edward Saunders. — We are indebted
to the E,ev. F. D. Morice for the following information as to the disposal of the
collections, &c., formed by the late Mr. Edward Saunders, F.R.S., which may
be useful to those interested in the Orders of Insects that formed the chief
objects of the st\idy and work of oxir late esteemed colleague.
The entire collections of British and exotic Hymenoptera, the Palsearctic
Hemiptera, and all the Microscopic preparations, including the originals figiired
by or for him in his various illustrated publications, have been acquired by, or
presented to, the nation, and are now in the Natural History Museum at South
Kensington. The important series of British Hemiptera was piu'chased by Dr.
Gr. B. Longstaff, and generoiisly given by him to the Hope Department of the
Oxford University Museum. Dr. Malcolm Burr has acqiiired the Orthoptera,
and the Collection of British Coleoptera has been pxu-chased by Mr T. G.
Bishop, of Beattock, N.B. Mr. Saiinders's fine library of Entomological works
was recently dispersed by aiiction at Messrs. Stevens's rooms, and his few iin-
published papers are in the hands of Mr. Morice.
1911.1 65
Re-co,pture of Colon »iicrops, Czwal. — Since publishing my tabic of the
British species of Coloti (Knt. Mo. Mag., vol. xlvi, p. 268), Mr. Champion has
kindly sent me a few specimens of the genus to examine. One of these I have
no doubt is the J of the long lost C. microps, Czwal., which I had excluded
from my table on the ground that it had been described twenty-nine years ago
from a single ? example, and had not occiu-red since. The specimen answers
very accurately in all essential details to Czwalina's description. It is a very
distinct species, being perhaps most closely related to C. brunneum. The
following alteration to my table will have to be made to admit it : —
a*. Form parallel-sided; sides of thorax slightly sinuate before
posterior angles.
af. Size larger ; thorax finely pmictm-ed, only slightly more so
than elytra C. dcntipes, Sahib.
bf. Size smaller ; thorax moderately strongly punctiu-ed, much
more so than elytra C. microps, Czwal.
C. microps is of aboxit the average size of C. brunneum, and resembles it in
colour, and the shape of the club of the antennae and of the anterior tibiae, but
is much narrower and more parallel-sided. The thorax is not so transverse,
being more narrowed in front, and is slightly narrower at the base than the
elytra. The sides of the thorax are rather strongly narrowed towards the base,
just before which they are slightly sinuate, and the posterior angles are sharp
right angles. The thorax is shining, as in C. brunneum, but the punctuation
is rather finer and closer. The elytra are very finely punctured, much moi'e so
than the thorax and than in C. brunneum.
In general shape it most closely x-esembles C. dentipes, bu.t is much smaller,
the sides of the elytra are less sinuate towards the base, the thorax is more
strongly and not so closely punctvu-ed. The punctuatjfcn of the elytra, although
as fine, is more diffuse, and the pubescence is longer and not so dense. The S
has a small tooth in the middle of the posterior femur, in this respect re-
sembling C. brunneum. Mr. Champiou'Jj specimen was taken at Cobham, Kent,
many years ago. — Norman H. Jot, Bradfield, Berks.: February/ 12th, 1911.
Further records of Bledixis annse, Sfc. — Dr Sharp has kindly examined all
the specimens of black Bledii in my collection, and has identified the following
species : — B. filipcs ; Sherringham, Aug., 190-i. These wei-e taken in much the
same situation as those recorded from Overstrand. B. terebrans ; Southport,
May, 1902 ; given to me by Dr. Chaster. It will probably prove to be a common
species there. B. annse ; Pitlochry, Sept., 1909 ; one specimen taken in company
with B. pallipes on the banks of the liiver Timuuel.
I also have specimens of JS. bicornis, as vvell as B. hinnulus, taken at Wells,
Norfolk, in Aug., 1904. Besides these there is a small form of B. fuscipcs (as
well as the type form), from Wells, Norfolk ; and an int>n'estiug small form of
B. unicornis from Scilly, April, 1908, the three males of which have the
thoracic horn mvich shorter than usual, and the anterior angles more marked,
and the elytra much narrower and shorter. — Id.
66 [March,
Anisotoma davidiana, Joy, not synonymous with A. diibia v. bicolor, Schaum. —
I have liad the opportunity of comparing my specimens of A. davidiana with
two examples of A. dubia v. bicolor named by Dr. Fleischer, and find they are
quite distinct. Dr. Fleischer has examined a specimen of A. davidiana and
declares lie has not seen the form before. — Id.
Coleoptera m Devo7ishire. — In continuation of my notes in Ent. Mo. Mag.,
xlvi, pp. 115-117, the following list is, with the exception of Arena, restricted
to insects that I can record from fresh localities, and includes various species
which have previously been overlooked.
Shaldon (1910). Trechus subnotatus and Lesteva fontinalis (brought for-
ward in Ent. Mo. Mag., xlvi, pp. 131 and 109 respectively), Homalota Isevana,
Crepidodcra vcntralis (one on sallow), and *Otiorrhynchus fuscipes. Bovet
Tbacet (1909). *Homalota humeralis, H. gayatina, and Gymnetron antirrhini.
Dawlish Warren (1910). One *Homalota imbecilla in old tide rubbish, two
Arena octavii under seaweed in March, and one Anisotoma duhia on the sand-
hillocks. South Brent (1908). One Homalota intermedia from fungus.
Christow (1907). One Hydroporus celatus in E. Teign, one *Orthoperus kluki
from fungus, and an Orthochaetes setiger by sweeping. Exminsteb (1910).
Acup)alp>us exiguus, Callicerus obsc^irxis, Lathrobium longuhim, and (1909) one
*Ualiplus heydeni, in the marshes. Belstone, near Okehampton (1901). One
Hister stercorarius. Ltdeord (1891). One Carabus arvensis, Taphria nivalis.
Buckfastleigh (1905). Three Aleochara mwrens. Kingsbridge (Christmas,
1907). Homalota cuspidata under -pojAar havk. Braunton (1908) Hydroporus
ayigustatus, H. discretus, Homalota humeralis. *Stenus incanus, and Ccuthorrhyn-
chus rugnlosus.
Dui'ing the last fortnight of 1910. — Aleochara spadicea (1), Qucdius atten-
uatus (1), and Philonthus albipes (3), from flood rubbish ; Quedius scintillans,
Ephistemus globosus (1), Apion filirostre (1), Ceuthorrhynchus pimctiger (1), and
C. litura, from rush roots ; Bythinus curtisi in moss. The record of Ceuth.
triangulum from here (xlv, p. 87) is erroneous and should be deleted.
In March, 1892, I found a Strangalia 4-fasciata (under bark) near
Dulverton, biit I am imable to say on which side of the Devon- Somerset
county border it was.
I am again greatly indebted to Mr. E A. Newbery for his kindness in
verifying difliciilt species. — Philip de la Garde, " Abbottsfield," Braunton,
N. Devon: January 20th, 1911.
Coleoptera at Cheltenham, 1910. — Although I was able to do very little
collecting diiring a few months' stay at Leckhampton, near Cheltenham, some
of the species then obtained may be worthy of note, especially as there appears
to be no published list of Gloucestershire Coleoptera beyond the few records
given in the Eev. W. W. Fowler's work.
* Not i)reviou.sIy recorded for the comity, I believe.
'911.] 67
Homalota occulta (?), H. fmtgivora, II. suhsinuata (commonly), Qiiedius
mcmrus (1), Philonthus ■proximus, P. addcndus (1), P. albipes, and a Rhizophatjxis
parallelocollis, wei'e taken in garden rubbish heaps ; one Scopseus sulcicollis on a
withered cabbage leaf; one Homalota divisa among bones; Pteryx suturalis
from mouldy bark ; one Quedius lateralis in fungus, in company with a swarm
of Taehinus humeralis ; one Cryptophagus populi on door post of house, and one
in the scullery window ; and Ptinus sexpunctatus in an outhouse ; several Myce-
tsea hirta, Cryptophagus hicolor, and Atomaria munda, under boards in an old
fowl-slied ; and, taken variously, Amara ovata, Oxypoda annularis, Sericoderus
lateralis, Helocerus claviger, Callidium violaceum, Tetrops prieusta, Magdalis
pruni, and Scolytus multistriatus. — Id. : January 20th, 1911.
Trichonyx sulcicollis, Reich., and Amauronyx (Trichonyx) marheli, Auhe, as
mymecopMlous insects. — In the Ent. Mo. Mag., 1910, p. 213, Commander Walker
records the capture of these two species, but not in company with ants. As
this might give the impression that they only occur with ants by chance, I
have written the following short notes : —
Trichonyx sulcicollis, Eeich. — Eeitter says that the species of this genxxs
are generally found with ants (Naturz. Inst. Deutschl. iii, 2, 1885, p. 136), and he
records T. sulcicollis with Lasiiis hrunneus (I.e.). Bedell captured it witli Ponera
contracta in the environs of Paris (Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr. 1872, p. 41). Ganglbaiier
states that Trichonyx lives with ants (Kilfer von Mitteleiu-opse ii, 1895, p. 799),
and that T. sidcicollis occurs in old trees and tree stumps with Lasius hrunneus
and Ponera contracta. It is true, however, that there is only one record of the
myrmecophilous habits of this species in this country, when Douglas and Scott
took it imder bark of old elm stumps in some niimbers, in company with ants,
at Lee, Kent Commander Walker kindly indicated the position of the tree in
the New Forest in which he and Dr. Sharp took T. sulcicollis, and I went
doAvn to look for it on July 8th. I must admit that the tree showed uo
evidence whatever of the presence of ants, past or present, and most of the
specimens I took were found in the rotten wood of the tree itself. A fungoid
growth was present on, and in, the wood which contained the beetles. Judging
by the Continental records, I think this species must be considered in part
myrmecophilous.
Amauronyx mdrkeli, Aubc. — Forel records this species as found rarely with
Ponera contracta at Sion, Valais (Fourmis de la Suisse, 1873, p. 426) ; Skalitzky
found it with red ants (Myrmica Isevinodis?) in Bohemia (B. E. Z. 1874, p. 127) ;
Wasmann says it occurs frequently with Tetramorium caespitum, near Prague.
Ganglbauer writes : The species of this genus are likewise ant-guests. He
gives " Central Eui ope, with Tetramorium caespitum and Ponera contracta (I.e.)."
In this country it is generally found with ants. The following captures
are recorded : Matthews and Crotch, " with Lasius fuliginosus " in a tree near
Cambridge; F. H. and E. S. Waterhouse, "with a small yellow Myrmica"
(Lasius Jlavus ?) on Seaford Downs ; Fowler, " under a stone with ants " at
Sandown, I. W. (in his Col. Brit. Isles., vol. ii, p. 98, he writes : " visually in
company with ants") ; F. O. Pickai'd-Cambridge, "in a nest of Lasius Jlavus "
(58 (March,
at Poi-tlaud ; Beare, " under a stone over a nest of L. flavus " on the Chesil
Beach ; EUiiuan, " with Formica fusca, and L. flavus " at Chesham, Bucks ;
Donuian, " every year since 1905, at Ditchling, generally with L. flavus, or a
sjiecies of Myrmica." He has found one or two away from ants, these no doubt
were seeking a new nest.
Mr. Collins was good enoiigli to take me to the sand-iDit at Cumnor, near
Oxford, where he had fotind this beetle, and I was fortunate enough to capture
a specimen. I think the finding of J.mdrkeli in a sand-pit away from ants,
only means that it has fallen in. I did, it is true, find an ant's nest tmder a
stone above the sand-pit, and the beetles might easily have come from the
place. In any care, I think this insect can only be regarded as a true myrme-
cophilous species. — Horace Donisthorpe, 58, Kensington Mansions, S.W. :
December, 1910.
Mycetophagus quadriguttatus, Milll.,in Scotland. — In a stable here, amongst
the waste grain from the horses' mangers, Mycetophagiis quadriguttatus occurs
in profusion. How long the species has been established there it is impossible
to say, but I first observed it some three years ago wlien I began collecting
Coleoptera. It is to be f ovuid all the year round, though in less abundance during
the winter months. Mr. Anderson Fergusson, of Glasgow, informs me that the
beetle has not been recorded for Scotland, so that I now have the pleasure of
doing so. The following species have been taken in company with it : — Enicmus
minutus, L., Cryptojjhagus dentatus, Hbst,, and bicolor, Stm., Atomana 7iigri-
pennis, Pk., Ptinus tectus, Boield., Niptus crenatus, F., Tenebrio ohscurus, F.,
Alphitobius piceus, 01., GnatJiocerus cornutus, F., and Anthicus floralis, L. —
George A. Brown, Sunnyside Eoad, Coatbridge : January 5th, 1911.
Helophorus tuherculatus, Gyll., near Coatbridge, N.B. — Two specimens of
this rare species of Helophorus were taken here last July. They occurred in bare
patches of moorland which, except during very dry weather, are saturated with
water and very soft. No permanent water, either stagnant or running, occurs
within several hundred yards of the place of captui-e. On the Continent the
species is said to occvir on peaty ground, and this record is in agreement with
that statement. — Id, : January 6th, 1911.
Xenopsylla cheopis, Rothsch., in London. — Two specimens of this flea, which
is associated witli the spread of plague in India, were captured on Brown Eats,
Jlfus norvegicus, on February 3rd and 7th of this year, in Guy's Hospital, by
Dr. Boycott. As far as we know only one other example of this insect has been
taken in this coimtry. Cf. Ent. Mo. Mag., ser. ii, vol. xiv, p. 85 (1903).—
N. Charles Eothschild, Arundel House, Kensington Palace Gardens, W.
Ellampus truncatus, Dhb., in the London district. — On July 2nd last year
(1910) I took in the garden here at Heme Hill a specimen of the above
uncommon Chrysid. Mr. Morice kindly confirmed the determination I made
from his Synoptic Table. — Eupert Stenton, Southwell, Notts.: Jan. nth, 1911.
1911.. 69
Is Leaf Mining one of the Larval Habits of Aphiochseta ?. — In the January
Niunber of this Mag-azine for 1910, Mr. Malloch records the breeding, as he
believed, of Phora {Apliiocliieta) rufi2)es from blotch mines in the leaves of the
common turnip. On reading this announcement I was reminded of an old
experience of my own, about the time I began seriously to work at the Diptera.
I had collected one auttunu, in what year I forget, the gallery mines of a
Dipteron in the root leaves of tlie carline thistle {Carlina vulgaris). They
were placed in a pot that had been iised in previous years for rearing Nepticulx,
and which had for many months been out of doors, uncovered, and fully
exposed to the weather. In it was a layer of half decayed leaves, which I did
not remove, thinking it wordd be just the thing for the grubs to ptipate in.
Early the following summer, 7 or 8 Aphiochasta rata appeared, bred, as I
naturally concluded, from the thistle leaves. But when I came to consider the
matter more carefully, it seemed possible, indeed probable, that the pabulum
had really been the old half-decayed vegetable matter, and that it was this
that had tempted a female rata to enter and lay her eggs during the time that
the pot was open and exposed ovit of doors. That this was the true explana-
tion, a recent observation seems to show.
Last Slimmer the seedling onions in the garden were badly attacked by
Phorhia cilicrura, and as I had not before met with the insect, I gathered a
good supply of the plants and placed them in a covered glass vessel. Very
soon the plants rolled into so soft and wet a mass, that the cover had occa-
sionally to be removed to give ventilation. One day as I was taking out a
recently emerged Phorbia, I noticed in a moist corner a colony of little wliitish
grubs, living in the semi-liquid stuff. They pupated in good time and produced
quite a host of Aphiochxta rufipes, the very same species that Mr. Malloch
believed he had bred from the blotch-miner of the turnip. The fly is one of
the most constant inmates of our houses, and there can be no i-easonable doubt
that the parent insect in this case had entered the vessel at a time when the
cover glass was removed in order to oviposit in the rotting onion plants. If,
then, leaf-mining be indeed one of the modes of life of Aphiochseta, it has yet
to be proved. — John H. Wood, Tamngton, Hereford : February, 1911.
Diptera in Perthshire. — In the volume of this Magazine for 1909, pp. 65 — 66,
I gave a short list of Diptera taken in the Blairgowrie district of Perthshire
during 1908. The following notes refer to species identified since, most of
them having been captured during the last two seasons. Those marked with
an asterisk have not, I think, been liitherto recorded from the county.
Passing over the Nematocera, a good many species of Avhich have been
identified, I may mention Chrysops relicta, Mg., in Jvme resting on shrubs &c.,
round a small pond, only once seen on the wing ; Tabanus sudeticus, Zlr., J ,
11.7.10; *Dysmachus trigonuSjMg., several, in Jiuie ; Bonibylius canescens, Mik.,
in some numbers over sandy banks in June and July ; Thereva nobilitata, P.,
both sexes, 16.6.10; *Gloma fuscipennis, Mg., $ , 9.7.10; *Hilara matrona, Hal.,
in July and August; *Dolichopus simplex, Mg., J', 10.7.10; *D. longitarsis,
Stan., in July ; *Hypophyllus crinipes, Staeg., S > l''^.6.10, at Clunie Loch — I
70 [March,
think the third Scottish record for this species ; *Syntorino7i tarsatus, Fin., <? ,
18.7.10 ; *Chalarus spurius, Fin., J , 26.6.10 ; *Pipunculus strohli, Verr., $ ,
22.6.10, 9, 17.9.10 in my garden; *P. sylvaticus, Mg., ?, 10.7.10; Orthoneura
elegans, Mg., J , 8.6.10 — I have already recorded the 9 ; 0. nohilis, Fin., J ,
12.7.08 ; *0. breincornis, Lw., <? , 8.6.10 — I was glad to get this specimen as it
enables me to record oiir three British species. All were taken near the same
spot ; PlatycMrus discimanus, Lw., <? , 30 4.10 — my first capture of this early
fly ; *Didea intermedia, Lw., 9 , 4.9.09 — I think my specimen belongs to this
species ; Syrphus tricinctus, Fin., in July ; S. compositarum, Verr., common in
July ; S. arcticus, Ztt., May and June, 1908 ; Helophilus hyhridus, Lw., <?, 1.8.08,
my first capture ; Arctophila mussitans, F., in some numbers at Chmie Loch in
September ; Conops quadrifasciata, Deg., 3 , 4.9.09 ; *Lucilia sylvarum, Mg., S ■
1.6.09; *L. splendida, Mg., g , 5.6.08; *Hyetodesia variabilis. Fin., fairly common
here, but I have not foimd it elsewhere ; Myds-a nigritella, Ztt., in June, also
new to me ; *Fannia (Homalomyia) sociella, Ztt., J , 5.6.08 ; *F. fuscula, Fin.,
(?, 19.7.10; *Coslomyia mollissima, Hal., in May; *Spilogaster uliginosa, Fin.,
tj, 9.10.10, on window ; *Cordylura pudicaj'NLg., two i <?, 27.6.10; *Gymnomera
tarsea. Fin., fairly common in June ; Pogonota hircus, Ztt., I was glad to find
this curious fly among Carex, &c., at the side of a pond, in June of this year,
when sweeping produced a long series ; *Pherhina (Tetanocera) coryleti, Scop.,
J, 25.6.10; Loxocera aristata, Pz., 9» 16.6.10: Psilosoma lefehvrei, Ztt., ^,
19.7.10; *Srox)tera vihrans, 1j., in July; *Notiphila idiginosa, Tinl., *N. riparia,
Mg., N. cincrea, Fin., and *N. annulipes, Stnh., all occur in Jitne.
All the foregoing species are from the immediate neighbourhood of Blair-
gowrie, and in addition I should like to record the following taken at Kirk-
michael, f oiirteen miles to the north : — Syrjyhus grossularias, Mg., the <? common,
but only one 9 > in J^Yj 1909, along the banks of the Ardle — in August, 1910,
the 9 ? were in niunbers, but I foiind no S S ; Eristalis rupum, F., several of
both sexes with the last in July; Chrysochlamys cuprea. Scop., S, 20.8.10;
Sargus flavipes, Mg., 9 as prey of S Empis tessellata, F., 20.8.10.
Dryomyza senilis, Ztt., recently added to the British List (Ent. Mo. Mag.,
1910, p. 125), has occiu-red to me at Blairgowrie in June, and at Kirkmichael in
August. I have also examples from Aberfoyle and Comrie, and I believe
I found it at Callander in September, 1904, but unfortunately do not appear to
have kept any specimens. [There are also specimens in my collection from
Polton, Midlothian]. Mr. Collin has kindly confirmed my identification of this
species. Sapromyza afinis, Ztt., mentioned in the same Pajjer by Mr. Collin, at
p. 170, has been recorded by me from Comrie (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1909, p. 65). —
A. E. J. Carter, Blairgowrie : December, 1910.
Obituaries.
James William Tutt, whose decease on January 10th was briefly annoi^nced
in the last nimiber of this Magazine, was born at Strood, Kent, on April 26th,
1858, and was educated at the St. Nicholas Schools in that town, and sub-
19110 71
sequeiitly at St Mark's Training College, Chelsea, in preparation for the
scholastic profession. Passing out of this College witli gi-eat distinction in
1877, we find him rising steadily in his adopted career, and occupying important
posts in London schools, until, within less than a year of his vmtiinely death, he
received the responsible appointment of Head Master of the New Higher Grade
Central School at Morpeth Street, E.
As Mr. Tutt informs us in his Vice-Presidential Address to the City of
London Entomological Society (published in the Entomologist's Record, vol. vi,
pp. 59, et scq.), he began the study of Lepidoptera in early boyhood, and at that
time he had the great good fortune to reside within easy walking distance of
such splendid collecting-grounds — as they were then — as Chattenden Roughs,
the Cuxton and Hailing Downs, Cobham Park, and the Medway and Thames
marshes. His meeting, we believe in 1881, at the place first named, with the
late Mr. G. Coverdale, a young Lepidopterist of extraordinary energy and
ability, whose premature death soon afterwards was a very serious loss to
Entomology, may be said to have determined the direction of Mr. Tutt's career
as a scientific worker. From about that time, while he communicated occasional
notes to oiu" own pages, his articles - not seldom of a highly controversial
character, but full of power and sviggestion — in the "Entomologist," became
quite a feature of that Magazine. Early in the year 1890, when it was thought
that the " Entomologist " was to be largely given over to descriptions of exotic
insects, he conceived the idea of a new mid-monthly magazine specially devoted
to the British insect-fauna, and the " Entomologist's Record and Journal of
Variation," was conducted by liim up to the time of his decease. There is no
doubt that the appearance of this periodical, imbued throughout as it was witli
the strenuoiis personality of its Editor, gave a very marked stimulus to the
scientific study of our native Lejndoptera ; and when, in more recent years,
Mr. Tutt's summer holidays were spent for the most part on the Continent, his
attractive notes on the rich and most interesting Alpine insect-fauna were the
means of making the " Record " the chief repository of the work of the now
numerous students of European Lepidoptera in oiir own coiintry.
We can only allude very briefly to a few of the results of Mr. Tutt's
enormous industry in Entomological science. Without doubt his monument will
be the gi-eat unfinished work on " British Lepidoptera," of which ten volumes,
two of which are devoted to the Butterflies, have up to the present been issued,
and have been duly noticed in oiu- pages as they have appeared. Another
volmne, dealing with the remainder of the Lyctenid butterflies, was left by him
in an advanced stage, and its publication may ere long be looked for. AVe
sincerely trust also that the large amoiint of material accumulated by him for
subsequent volumes of this great work will in the near future be made avail-
able by his literary executors. The " British Noctuae and their Varieties," and
the " Practical Hints for the Field Lepidopterist," both most valuable contri-
butions to the subjects on which they treat, represent an enormous amount of
concentrated effort and study, and his books " in lighter vein," notably the
" Rambles in xUpine Valleys " exhibit no small literary skill and power of
graphic description.
72 [March,
In 1885 Mr. Tutt was elected a Fellow of the Entomological Society, and
served on the Council in 1897-9 and again from 1908-11. As one of the most
constant attendants at the Society's m' etings, he took a prominent part in its
discussions, and his breezy and stimulating addi'esses will be gi-eatly missed by
the Fellows. On the Council and tlie Pulilication Committee, his large expe-
rience gained in the production of his books have recently proved of the iitmost
value in re-organising the procediu-e of piiblication of the Society's memoirs,
and the results of his energetic labours in this matter are already evident.
The recognition of his scientific work culminated in the fiilfilment of his
highest ambition, and he was nominated to the Presidential Chair for the
forthcoming session of the Society, but to the regret of all he passed away
before the Chair became vacant.
A serious illness about two years ago left its evident mark on him, but iip
to the very last his industry and keenness in scientific work were unabated.
No one can doubt, however, that he habitually overworked himself, mentally
and physically, especially of late years, and that his end, at apparently the
climax of his powers, was materially hastened by this cause. At his burial in
Lewisham Cemetery on January 1-ith, there were present, besides a host of
friends and colleagues, representatives of the Entomological Society of London,
and otlier kindred Societies in which, in years past, he had held a prominent
place ; and the esteem in which he was regarded was marked by several
beautiful wreaths sent as a last tribute by these associations.
Mr. Tutt leaves a widow, two sons, and three daughters, (two of whom are
married), and to them we tender our very sincere sympathy in their bereave-
ment. We understand that his extensive and valuable collections of British
and Continental Lepidoptera are to be disjiosed of by auction at intervals
within the next two years.
Sir Francis Galton, D.C.L., F.R.S. — The decease on January 17th, at an
advanced age, of this distinguished traveller and fellow-worker with his great
relative, Charles Darwin, has called forth full and appreciative notices of liis
life-long scientific career. We have not, however, seen any mention of the fact
that from 1887 to 1903 he was a Fellow of the Entomological Society of
London, and that in the first-named year he contributed to its Transactions a
very valuable paper entitled " Pedigree Moth Breeding as a means of verifying
certain important Constants in the General Theory of Heredity." The imme-
diate result of this most suggestive memoir was the classic series of researches
carried out by Mr. F. Merrifield at his sviggestion, of which the results are
recorded at length in subsequent volumes of the Society's Transactions.
Gerald George Hodgson, better known as Dr. Hodgson, was removed from
amongst us by sudden death, on Friday, February 3rd. We venture to say
that had he lived longer he would soon have been one of our leading men, as
lie had the enthusiasm for work, and the giasp of necessary details, not often
met witli. The exigencies of liis profession prevented his prosecuting his
natural history studies so fully as he would have liked to do in early life, but
his maturer years bore testimony to his innate thoroughness and the correct-
1911.] 73
ness of his views. Although of retiring demeanour, and comparatively little
known until quite recently in the Entomological world, he very quickly made
his mark among our London Societies, and his presence will be missed by all,
as well as his critical remarks, on the markings and variations of the Rhopalo-
cera, of which the Lycxnidse were his especial favovirites.
Societies.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society : Annual Meeting
held at the Royal Institution, Colquitt Street, Liverpool, December \%th, 1910. —
Mr. R. Newstead, M.Sc, F.E.S., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The Reports of the Council and Hon. Treasurer were read and adopted,
and the following Members were elected as Officers and Council for the ensuing
year, viz. : —
President: S. J. Capper, F.E.S. Vice-Presidents: W.J.Lucas B.A. ; C. E-
Stott ; Claude Morley, F.Z.S. ; P. F. Tinne, M.A., M.B. ; Geo. Arnold, M.Sc.
Treastu-er : Dr. J. Cotton. Secretaries : H. R. Sweeting ; Wm. Mansbridge.
Librarian: F. N. Pearce. Council : E. J. B Sopp, F.R.Met.S. ; Wm. Webster,
M.R.S.A.L ; Wm. Mallinson; W.T. Mellows; L. H. Lister; G. M. Taylor, M.A. ;
C. B. WiUiams; R. T. Cassal, M.R.C.S., L.S.A. ; O. Whittaker; R. Wilding;
L. West, M.I.M.E.
Mr. Robert Newstead, the retiring Vice-President, delivered the Address^
which was entitled, " The Taxonomic value of the Genital Armature in the
Tsetse Flies (Genus Glossina) . He stated that he had made a careful examina-
tion of all the hitherto described species of the genus Glossina which had not
only revealed some very striking morphological characters, but had led to the
discovery of three hitherto undescribed species : Glossina sxibmorsitans, Newst.,
G. brevipalpis, Newst., and G. fuscipes, Newst., and also to the re-establishment
of Bigot's G. grossa. The scheme of classification adopted was based entirely
upon the taxonomic characters of the male armature which are the true and
almost only natural anatomical elements that can at present be found in these
insects. He had found that the species fall into three very striking and
distinct groups, each being separated by very trenchant characters. These are :
Group I (the Fusca Group). This division includes the four largest species
of the genus : G. fusca, Walker, and G. grossa, Bigot, which have a Western dis-
tribution ; G. longipennis, Corti, and G. brevipalpis, Newst., occvu'ring chiefly on
the Eastern side of the Continent (Africa) . In all of these species the claspers
are quite free, there being no membrane stretching between them ; the distal
extremities of these appendages have either a single large and bluntly pointed
tooth-like extension or they are bluntly bidentate ; the harpes in all cases
being markedly different in their morphological characters. Grovip II (the
Palpalis Group). To this division belong the following species: G. palpalis,
Rob.-Desv., G. tachinoides, Westwood, G. fuscipes, Newst., and G. pallicera,
Bigot. In all of these species the claspers of the males are connected by a thin
and finely spinose membrane which is deeply divided medially, but in all cases
74 [March,
the distal extremities of the claspers are quite free and widely separated,
Group III (The Morsitans Group). This group comprises G. morsitans, West-
wood, G. suhniorsitans, Newst., and G. longipalpis, |Wiedemann. In these the
claspers are completely united by a spinose membrane and they are also fused
medially. They are of a very remarkable form, their shape somewliat I'esem-
bling the scapula of a mammal in miniature, and are altog-ether much more
highly complicated structures than those in either of the preceding groups.
Thus we see in these three groiips forms which are so widely different as to
lead one to assume, without taking other external features into consideration,
that they represent three distinct genera. Certain it is that these insects
illustrate one fundamental principle of evolution, namely, that they have
attained great development of one set of morphological characters, and have
retained others apparently of an ancestral type. — H. E. Sweeting and Wm.
Mansbridge, Hon. Secretaries.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, December 7th, 1910. —
Mr. H. Eowland-Brown, M.A., Vice-President in the Chair.
Mr. E. Stewart McDougall, M.A., D.Sc, F.E.S.E., of Edinburgh University,
and Mr. Hugh Frederick Stoneham, Lieutenant, East Surrey Eegiment, of
" Kingswear," Streatham Park, S.W., were elected Fellows of the Society.
The Vice-President exhibited and read the letter of congratulation to
Mr. Eoland Trimen, M.A., F.E.S., to be sent on the occasion of the award to
him of the Eoyal Society's Darwin Medal.
Tlie Vice-President announced that he had received from Dr. A. Fenyes,
F.E.S., of California, and exhibited in his behalf four boxes containing an
admirable collection of North American Aleocharine Coleoptera, which the
donor had offered most kindly to the Society. In the absence of any collections
belonging exclusively to the Entomological Society of London, however, he had
asked Dr. Fenyes to authorize a transfer of the gift to the British Museum
(Natural History), and he therefore, with the consent of the meeting, handed
it over to Mr. G. J. Arrow for that purpose.
Mr. H. W. Andrews exhibited a short series of Carphotricha guttularis,
Mg., a scarce Trypetid, taken at Milford Haven in July last, and a specimen of
a unicolorous form of Prosena sybarita, F., from North Kent, Jiily 30th, 1910.
Commander J. J. Walker, specimens of Syagrius intrudens, Wat., an Australian
weevil, introduced into a fernery at Glasnevin, co. Dublin, where it had done
considerable damage, and communicated by Mr. J. N. Halbert ; also, on behalf
of the captor, Mr. Joseph Collins, of the Oxford University Museum, Conops
signata, Wiedemann, <? and ? , a Dipteron new to Britain, taken at Tubney,
Berks., September 11th, 1910. Mr. E. C. Bedwell, examples of Bruchus pectini-
eornis, L., a beetle usually looked upon as introduced into this country in
granaries, but in this case swept on an open hillside at Chipstead, Surrey ;
also a variety of Badister bipustulatus, F., the usual black patches on the
elytra being reduced to two small black dots, from Chipstead, May Stli, 1910.
Mr. W. C. Crawley, with normal examples, a brachypterous ? of the ant Laskis
fiavus, found at Oddington, near Oxford, in August, 1900, at which locality
1911.] 75
about the same time were observed ? ? of L. niger with short wings. Mr.
H. St. J. Donisthorpe remarked that Mrazek had recently shown that the short
wings in ? ? of Lasius alienus were caused by the ant being infested by a
nematode worm of the genus Mermis, and that Professor Wheeler had foiind
this to be the case with short-winged ? ? of L. neoniger in America. He now
exhibited a short-winged J of Technomyrmex albipes, Smith, together with an
ordinary winged <? which he had recently taken at Kew, and suggested that
the former might be cavised in the same way ; also ergatoid <? J of the same
species taken at the same time, and two forms of Prenolepis braueri, sub. sp.
doiusthorpei, Forel, taken at Kew ; a black form $ ^ ^Ji<J <? taken in the Fern
House, and a red form $ $ from the Palm Hoixse. Mr. H. M. Edelsten, series
of the following rare British Heterocera : — Dianthoecia luteago var. barrettii,
bred 1910, from Devon larvte ; Tapinostola extrema, from Northamptonshire
lai'vss, Jixly, 1910 ; T. hellmanni, from larvse taken in Wicken Fen, Jiuie, 1910 ;
and a pale variety of Meliana flammea, from larvse collected in the Norfolk
Broads. Mr. H. Rowland-Brown, together with typical examples for com-
parison, two fine melanic aberrations of Melitsea parthenie, Bork., one of which
resembled ab. rhoio, Oberthiir, fi'oni Clelles, Isere ; also two very remarkable
black aberrations of Melitiea varia, taken by him in company with Mr. C. J.
Johnson, at the top of the Simplon Pass in 1907. Mr. Hamilton H. Druce, a
remarkable Nymphaline butterfly from the Himalayas, Parhestina jermyni,
n. sp., with Aporia agathon var. phryxe, the Pierid it mimics closely, and read
a paper entitled, " Descrij)tion of a new Nymphaline Butterfly from British
India."
Mr. H. St. J. Donisthorpe read a paper entitled, " Further Observations on
Temporary Social Parasitism and Slavery in Ants." Dr. T. A Chapman,
" Two new species of Lycxnopsis from Sarawak, Borneo." M. Ernest Olivier,
"Description of two new species of Luciola in the Collection of Mr. H. E.
Andrewes."
Wednesday, January ISth, 1911
The Annvial Meeting of this Society was held at 11, Chandos Street,
Cavendish Square, when the Officers and Council for the forthcoming session,
1911-1912, were elected. Owing, however, to the death of Mr. J. W. Tutt,
the President-nominate, no successor to the outgoing President, Dr. F.
A. Dixey, M.A., M.D., F.E.S., was chosen, and a Special General Meeting will
be held later in the year for' that purpose. Meanwhile, the following Fellows
were elected to act as Officers and Members of the Coixncil : —
Treastu-er: Mr. A. H. Jones; Secretai'ies : Commander J. J. Walker, M. A.,
E.K, F.L.S., and (in place of Mr. H. Rowland-Bro\vn, M.A., who declined re- .
election after eleven years' service), the Eev. G. Wheeler, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Libra-
rian: Mr. G. C. Champion, F.Z.S. ; other Members of the Council: Mr. R.
Adkin, Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.Z.S., Professor T. Hudson Beare, B.Sc,
F.R.S.E., Dr. M. Burr, D.Sc, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Dr. F. A. Dixey, M.A., M D.,
F.R.S., Mr. H. St. J. Donisthorpe, F.Z.S., Mr. J. H. Durrant, Professor Selwyn
Image, M.A., Dr. K. Jordan, Ph.D., Mr. A. Sich, Mr. J. R. le B. Tomlin, M.A.,
and Mr. H. J. Turner.
76 iMarch, 1911
The President, in the course of his Address, after refeiTing to the losses by
death sxxstained dviring the preceding year, went on to speak of various events
of special interest to Entomologists, among these being the appointment of
Professor Meldola, F.R.S., as Herbert Spencer Lecturer, and Mr. Selwyn Image
as Slade Professor of Fine Art at Oxford ; the award of the Royal Society's
Darwin Medal to Mr. Roland Trimen, F.R.S. ; and the meeting of the first
International Congress of Entomology at Brussels. He then proceeded to deal
with certain problems of general biology on which special light had been
thrown by Entomological stvidy, notably the demonstration that permanent
races, differing from the parent stock, could be produced by artificial inter-
ference with the germ-plasm. This had been surmised from early experiments
of Weismann, followed by Standfuss and Fischer, and had now been placed
beyond doubt by the carefixl work of Tower in America, who had also shown
that the new form might stand in Mendelian relation with the stock from
which it sprang. Other topics touched upon in the Address were the psycho-
physical character of the material presented to the operation of natiu-al selec-
tion— a point particiilarly emphasized by Professor Mark Baldwin ; and, in
connection with this, the special interest attaching to the communities of the
social Hymenoptera, where the group, rather than the individual, appeared as
the unit of selection. — H. Rowland-Brown, Hon. Secretary.
CHIBONOMID LARV.^ AND WATERSNAILS.
BY K. H. BARNARD.
It is well known that the fountains at Trafalgar Square, London,
contain a small (the largest measure | inch), and thin-shelled
variety of Limnsea peregra. On March 4th, 1910, I brought home
in a pillbox two of these snails, and was surprised to find, on
reaching home, two larvae as well as the snails. They were 10 mm.
long, mottled with red and green, and proved, on examination, to
be Chironomid larvae. When placed in water they spun silken
tubes open at both ends.
A large number of snails, of all sizes, each being examined to
see that no larvae were attached to the exterior, was then collected
and brought home in pillboxes. Larvae of various sizes were again
found amongst the snails ; three full-grown ones spun silken tubes
and changed to pupae on March 25th ; these, however, died. The
small larvae, although supplied with green Algx and kept with the
snails, soon died.
Another lot of snails was collected, and brought home in water.
This time no larvae were found, but several of the snails shortly
died. These I examined, and in every case (9) a small larva.
EXCHANaE.
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Notes on Chrysopa dorsalis, Burm. (with coloured plate). — E. Maude Alder-
son, F.L\S 49
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A new British Quedius.— D. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S 57
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S. Bagnall, F.L.S 60
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Ernest E. Austen 63
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Myrmecophilous insects. — Horace Do nisthorpe, F.Z.S 67
Mycetophagus quadriguttatus, Miill., in Scotland. — George A. Brown 68
Helophorus tuberculatus, Gyll., near Coatbridge, N.B. — Id 68
Xenopsylla cheopis, Rothsch., in London. — Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, M.A.,
F.L.S 68
Ellampus truncatus, Dhb., in the London district. — Rupert Stenton 68
Is leaf-mining one of the larval habits of Aphioch«ta P — John H. Wood, M.B. 69
Diptera in Perthshire. — A.E.J. Carter 69
Obituaeies. — James William Tutt 71
Sir Francis Galton, D.C.L., F.R.S 7^
George Gerald Hodgson 72
Societies. — Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society 73
Entomological Society of London 74
Chironomid larvae and Water-snails. — K. H. Barnard 76
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April, 1011.] 77
3-4 mm., was found in the mantle and tlie mantle cavity. Three
snails, collected from the sides above the level of the water were
also examined, and each contained a larva (see figures below).
a — foot. b — mantle edge. c — liver. d— intestine. e — head of larva.
On April 25th I performed the following experiment : "A small
larva, 4 mm. long, and a small snail, about 6 mm. were isolated in
a jar and brought in contact with one another. The larva imme-
diately fastened on to the snail, crawling round and trying most
persistently to get under the edge of the mantle, making for the
pvilmonary orifice in particular. The snail at once became very
lively, twisting its shell about as if trying to rub off the larva
against the side of the jar. The larva, however, succeeded in
penetrating the pulmonary orifice, and soon was not visible externally
(except, being red, it shows through the thin shell). The snail
appeared inconvenienced, and soon crawled about two inches out
of water, and remained there. An hour later I dropped it to the
bottom of the jar. Next morning the snail was in the same place,
expanded and dying ; the larva had left it, and had spun a tube
close by."
I repeated this experiment several times, and succeeded often in
observing the larva enter the snail. They attacked the small snails
more readily than the large ones. A large 9 mm. larva tried to
attach itself to a large snail, but unsuccessfully, and then began
gathering vegetation around itself and spinning a tube. This larva
changed to a pupa about the middle of May (I was absent at the
time, so cannot give exact date), and on May 25th I foimd a dead
imago on the surface of the water. On April 12th I had foimd
two imagines on the water in Trafalgar Square, but injured them
so much in the capture as to render them incapable of identification.
All I can say is, that the three specimens were green-bodied
Chironomids. Neither can I say whether they appear continuously
from April, or even March (the two larvae found on March 4th
G
78 ' [April.
were full-grown), until the end of May, or in two generations,
though the latter seems iniprol>able.
The above notes have been abbreviated from my diary, and
the following conclusions may be drawn from them : The young
larvae enter the pulmonary orifice, and burrow in the mantle,
eventually reaching the liver (v. figure).
They inconvenience the host, but to what extent I do not fully
know. Possibly, if they enter when very young, and grow with
the snail, the latter would not notice them so much as when a
half-grown larva penetrates the mantle cavity. In the latter case
the snail promptly leaves the water. All those snails which I have
collected from above the water were infected, but infected snails
can also be found below the surface. A careful examination will
reveal the red larva through the shell. Whether the snail is
necessary to the growth of the larva, either throughout life, or at
particular periods, or at all, can only be determined by breeding. The
snail does not appear to be deformed or dwarfed.
This case of parasitism has not, I believe, been noticed before ;
why, it is difficult to see, perhaps because dipterologists have
overlooked such an unlikely habitat for laiwse, and also because
the majority of conchologists are not also malacologists and
dissectors. Still it is surprising ; and it is to be hoped that
during the coming spring some London entomologist will thoroughly
work out the life history of this interesting Chironomid.
Finally, I may mention that the larva is characterised by red
l>lood, green granules in special cavities (v. Miall and Hammond),
first joint of the antennae bearing a setiform process equal in length to
the remaining three joints, no ventral tubules, two dorsal papillae
bearing bunches of hairs, and two papillae below them at the anal
end (v. figures).
The pupa has a fringed tail-plate and respiratory bunches. In
these points this species seems to agree with Chironomtis niveipennis
(y. Miall and Hammond, p. 11).
Etwas, Farnham, Surrey :
Januarij Ji\st, 1911,
1911.1
79
ANOTHER HUNDRED NEW BRITISH SPECIES OF DIPTERA.
BY G. H. VERRALL, F.E.S.
1. Sciara longiventris, Zett.
2. Leia terminalis, Meig.
3. Boletina basalts, Meig.
4. Platyura nigricauda, Strobl
5. modesta, Winn.
6. humeralis, Winn.
7. Scatopse talpae, n. sp.
8. coxendix, n. sp.
9. Cricotopus pulchripes, n. sp.
10. Ceratopogon pallid^is, Winn.
11. nubeculosus, Meig.
12. forcipatus, Winn.
13. versicolor, Winn.
14. nohilis, Winn.
15. Dixa nigra, Stceg.
16. Linmobia decemmaculata, Lw.
17. Psiloconopa pusilla. Schin.
18. Rharnphomyia culicina. Fall,
19. Pachynieria erberi, Now.
20. Hilara aeronetha, Mik
21. lugubris, Zett.
22. diversipes, Strobl
23. piibipes, Lw.
24. beckeri, Strobl
25. carinthiaca, Strobl
26. braueri, Strobl
27. cinereomicans, Strobl
28. heterogastra. Now.
29. cingulata, Dahlb.
30. (Edalea apicalis, Lw.
31. Trichina opaca, Lw.
32. Leptopeza sphenoptera, Lw.
33. Clinocera wesmaelii, Macq.
34. Ardoptera ocellata, Costa
35. Tachista tuberculata, Lw.
36. Psilopus loewi, Beck.
37. Dolichopus cilifemoratus, Macq.
38. Poecilobothrus comitialis, Kow.
39. Hercostomus subsimplicipeb, n. sp.
40. Gyvfinopternus brevicornis, Stceg.
41. angustifrons, Staeg.
42. Chrysotus snavis, Lw.
43. melampodius, Lw.
44. varians, Kow.
45. Argyra grata, Lw.
46. Porphyrops fracta, Lw.
47. Syntormon spicatxis, Lw.
48. filiger, nov. nora.
49. Achalcus melanotrirhus, Mik
50. Thrypticus divisus, Strobl
(To be
Sussex Lodge, NeA\nnai'ket :
March ]5//i, 1911.
Thrypticus Isetus, n. sp.
pollinosus, n. sp.
Medeterus infumatus, Lw
nitidus, Macq.
excellens, Frey
Telmaturgus tumidulus, Radd.
Campsicnemus compeditus, Lw.
marginatus, Lw.
Teuchophorus calcaratus, Macq.
Aphrosylus mitis, n. sp.
Pipunculus incognitus, Verr.
Sphserophoria loewii, Zett.
Eudoroniyia magnicornis, Zett.
Sturmia ligniperdm, Br. and Berg.
Vibrissina turrita, Meig.
Ptychomyia selecta, Meig.
Germaria angustata, Zett.
Onesia gentilis, Desv.
Syntomogaster exigua, Meig.
Sijntomog aster (?) fasciata, Meic.
Cinochira atra, Zett.
Sarcophaga sinuata, Meig.
pumila, Meig.
halterata. Stein
Limnophora maritima, v. Rod.
Homalomyia fucivorax, Kieff.
lineata, Stein
Pegoniyia rufina. Fall.
squamifera, Stein
inter ruptella, Zett.
Anthomyia procellaris, Rond.
imbrida, Rond.
Chortophila latipennis, Zett.
Chirosia crassiseta. Stein
parvicornis, Zett.
Lispe pygmsea, Fall.
hydromyzina. Fall.
Caricea erythrocera, Desv.
brachialis, Rond.
Limnospila albifrons, Zett.
Coenosia dorsalis, v. Roser
albatella, Zett.
atra, Meig.
biliniella, Zett.
lineatipes, Zett.
pumila. Fall.
pygmsea, Zett.
salinarum. Stein
trilineella, Zett.
longicauda, Zett.
G 2
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
.58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
continued) .
80 [April,
A NOTE ON DE. SHARP'S NEW SPECIES OF GABRIUS.
BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.R.C.S., F.E.S.
Knowing that I had been working at Dr. Sharp's most interesting
new species of Gabrins, and that Dr. Sharp was too busy discovering
additional new forms in other groups, The Rev. W. W. Fowler asked me
to make out a table of the Gahrii for a supplement to his " British
Coleoptera " shortly to be published. This has been an easier task than
one would have at first supposed, and I have been able to draw up a table
by which I hope even ? specimens of seven out of the eight species (in-
cluding G. trossuhis and G. nigritulus) may be identified. Dr. Sharp
kindly looked over my original table, and I have adopted his sug-
gestions in the present one.
Size and colour are not usually good characters on which to base
the main divisions of a table, but they seem to be remarkably con-
stant in this group. The colour of the legs varies very little, but that
of the base of the antennce and palpi does so rather more, the species
with light coloured legs having these parts sometimes considerably
darker. The three species, G. velox, G. penmatus, and G. appendicu-
latus are distinctly smaller than the others, and can as a rule be at
once distinguished from them by this character alone. G. nigritulus
is the largest species ; G. hishopi is hardly so large as the remaining
three, Imt is obviously larger than G. pennatus. The punctuation of
the elytra varies a good deal in each individual species, and is of little
help for identification purposes.
The following table should be used in conjunction with the short
descriptions given below : —
I. Elytra shorter and scarcely broader than thorax ; legs testaceous...
G. trossuhis, Nordm.
II. Elytra longer and broader than thorax.
i. Penultimate joints of antennas strongly transverse, first joint black ;
head very broad ; femora dirty testaceous, tibise pitchy...
G. stipes, Sharp.
ii. Penultimate joints of antennse not strongly transverse.
1. Legs testaceous, tibiae at most a little dai'ker ; first two joints of
antennse and palpi testaceoiis or pitchy -testaceous ; elytra gene-
rally brownish.
A. Size larger ; form broader ; head even in ? scarcely longer
than broad Q. nigritulus, Grav.
B. Size smaller ; form narrower ; head in <J distinctly longer than
broad.
a. Form slightly longer in proportion to width ; sedeagus
exposed in ,J G. velox, Shai-p.
h. Form shorter in proportion to width ; sedeagus not exposed
in g G. pennatus. Sharp.
1911., 81
2. Legs and palpi pitcliy-tcstaccous or pitchy ; elytra black.
A. Size larger.
a. Form narrower and more elongate (like that of G.pen7iatus
and G. velox) ; antennae longer and not thickened to-
wards apex G. bishojn, Sharp.
h. Form broader ; antennae shorter and distinctly thickened
towards apex G. keysia/iius, Sharp.
B. Size considerably smaller ; first joint of antennae black ; head
about as broad as thorax, somewhat rounded at sides...
G. appendiculatus, Sharp.
G. trossulus can hardly be mistaken for any of the other species,
the short and narrow elytra giving it quite a characteristic appearance.
The head is large and broad, and the antennae rather short, with the
penultimate joints slightly transverse. The thorax is often pitchy.
It does not appear to be by any means a common species, and is very
local. In Berkshire I have only taken it in flood rubbish from one
limited locality.
G. nigritulus is recognised by its large size, broad head, long an-
tennse, of which the penultimate joints sometimes appear to be longer
than broad, and light palpi, legs and base of antennae. The elytra
are nearly always brownish. It is the most abundant species in
England.
G. stipes is another species with a large broad head. It is of
about the size of G. trossulus, but is broader, and the elytra are ex-
ceptionally broad in proportion to the thorax. It is distinguished
from all its allies by the distinctly transverse penultimate joints of the
entirely black antennae. The legs are rather intermediate in colour
between those of the light and dark legged species. I have obtained a
good series of it by carefully searching among many hundi-eds of G.
nigritulus and G. pennatus from flood rubbish. G. pennatus is much
smaller and narrower than the three foregoing species, and has a pro-
portionately narrower head. The penultimate joints of the antennae
are about as long as broad. It is almost as common as G. nigritulus
in the south of England.
G. velox. This is the most difficult member of the group, and I
am doubtful whether the ? can always be distinguished from the same
sex of G. pennatus. It appears to be a somewhat rare species.
G. Jceysianus is one of the larger species, and somewhat resembles
the ? of G. stipes. It is, however, distinctly narrower ; the head is
narrower in proportion to the thorax ; the penultimate joints of the
antennae are much less transverse, although they are slightly so ; and
82 [April,
the femora aud elytra are darker. It covild liardly be mistaken for
G. nicjrituhis on account of its darker and thicker antennae, narrower
form, and darker legs. I have seen specimens from Cornwall, South-
port, and Ireland (Kerry).
G. bishojri is the most narrow and elongate species, and is in size
a little shorter than G. heysimmis. The autennaj are long, with the
penultimate joints slightly longer than broad ; the elytra are excep-
tionally long in proportion to the thorax. It most closely resembles
G. 2)ennatus, but is distinctly larger and darker (with darker base of
antenuse and legs), and Dr. Sharp tells me that he could distinguish
this species by these characters in life when he found it in company
with G. pennatus. It also has longer antennae. I took a single ^
from flood rubbish sent to me from Bungay, Suffolk, in Dec, 1910.
G. ap])endicidatus is even slightly smaller on the average than G.
pennatus, and is easily distinguished from that species by its much
darker colour, liroader head, and shorter legs and autennse. The legs
are usually almost black. It does not appear to be a common species
in the south, but I have found it by far the commonest member of the
group in flood rubbish from Blair Athol and Dalwhinnie.
Bradfield, Reading .-
February 1th, 1911.
A NEW CEAMBUS FEOM NEW ZEALAND.
BY E. MEYRICK, B.A., F.R.S.
Crambus obstructus, n. sjj.
cJ $ . 22-26 mm. Head aud thorax light greyish-ochreous. Antenna) in
cJ miniitely ciliated. Palpi 4, fuscous, white towards base beneath. Fore-
wings elongate, narrow, somewhat dilated posteriorly, costa gently arched, apex
obtuse, termen in J slightly rounded, rather obliqvie, in ? straight and more
oblique ; pale brownish-ochreous, more or less strongly infuscated posteriorly ;
a rather broad irregular-edged white median streak from base to termen beneath
apex, interrupted at f by an irregular spot of the infuscated ground colour ;
sometimes some whitish suffusion along costa towards apex ; cilia pale greyish-
ochreous, sometimes partially infuscated, on extremity of streak mixed with
white. Hind-wings pale whitish-ochreous-grey ; cilia ochreous-whitish.
Three specimens taken near Lumsden, Otago, by Dr. G. B.
Longstaff, who states that they flew into the train, on March 8th,
1910. This would imply that the species was locally abundant ; it is
an odd accidental discovery, but specimens might be easily overlooked
»«ii-) 83
amongst the coiuiuou and variable C. niffcllns, to wliicli it is generally
similar. I have collected at Lumsden myself, but not so late in the
season. Type in Oxford University Museum ; Dr. Longstaft" very
kindly gave me one of the other examples. This makes the 38tli New
Zealand Crambns, all endemic, besides an endemic genus developed
from Crambus (Orocrambus) with six species ; whilst in Australia
there are only two species of Crambus, both immigrants.
Thornhanger, Marlborough, Wilts. :
February 21st, 1911.
HILARA AERONETHA, Mik : A DIPTEEON NEW TO THE BRITISH
LIST.
BY A. E. J. CARTER.
The publication of the third part of Dr. Lundbeck's excellent
" Diptera Danica " enables me to identify a specimen belonging to the
genus Hilara which I have had unnamed in my collection for some
time. The specimen in question is a (J , taken July 7th, 1907, at
Comrie, Perthshire, and, I may add, is in beautiful condition. At the
time I failed to make it agree with any species in our List, but what it
might be I was unable to tell. Working now with the key given by
Lundbeck, my insect runs down to aironetha, Mik, and it agrees with
the detailed description given, but the apex of the second antennal
joint is distinctly reddish, while Lundbeck says " antennae black."
The species is near interstiyicta, Fin., and maura, F. (both of which oc-
curred at Comrie), but is quite distinct. Frons narroiv. Thorax dark brownish-
grey, with a dark median stripe and sides. Dorso-central bristles in one row,
acrostichal bristles in four rows, one hvuneral, two post-humeral, three noto-
pleui-al, and two alar bristles. Scutellum with four bristles. Humeri with a
red spot. Abdomen grey, with a median stripe, and hind margin of the seg-
ments ash-grey in certain lights. Legs dark, knees reddish. Front metatarsus
slightly thickened, shorter than tibia. Leg bristles not strong. Wings yellow-
tinged. Exp., 6 mm.
Dr. Lim.dbeck points out that Mik's description is not quite in
accordance with that given by Strobl, who apparently described the
species in the same year. In my specimen the acrostichal bristles are
regularly quadriserial, the fork of the cubitus is nearly straight,
branches off almost regularly, and ends very slightly nearer the radial
than to tlie cubital vein. The halteres are yellow, base of the knob
darker. It thus agrees, as do the Danish examples, with Strobl' s de-
scription.
84 r April,
Accordinaf to Dr. Luudbeck, only two specimens, both (^ (^ , have
been taken in Denmarlv (June, 1910), and it is only known elsewhere
from Styria and Hungary, so that its occurrence in Scotland is
interesting.
Perhaps I may l)e allowed to point out tliat in the figure of the
front leg of H. aironetha (Dipt. Danica, 3, p. 162), the tarsus is repre-
sented as consisting of six joints.
Blairgowrie, Perthshire :
Fcbrxmry 4th, 1911.
[This species also occurs in England, specimens having been taken by Mr.
Verrall near Leith Hill (Surrey) in June, 1868, and at Tunbridge Wells (Kent)
in June, 1886.— J. E. C.].
NOTE ON JOHN CUETIS' BEITISH ENTOMOLOGY,
^ 1824-1839: 1829-1840: and 1862.
BY C. DAVIES SHERBORN AND J. HARTLEY CURRANT.
(By permission of the Trustees of the British Musevm).
The book consisted of sixteen volumes of twelve parts each, = 192
parts. There were 770 plates (1-769 and 205* duplicated for Hippar-
chis arcanius) each (first edition) with two pages of text.
Parts one and two had five plates each (plates 1-10) : parts 3-59
four plates each (plates 11-238) : part 60 had four plates (plates 239 ■
241 and an extra plate and text 205* for Hipparchia arcanius) ; parts
61-192 four plates each (plates 242-769) : total 770 plates. The break
in part 60 of three consecutively numbered plates, instead of four,
throws out one's calculations, but the total number of plates is re-
adjusted by the additional plate 205.*
One number a month was issued with great regularity, com-
mencing January 1824, and finishing December 1839, so the dates
on the plates may be accepted with certainty. In the Entomological
Magazine, i, 1833, p. 303, it was announced that the British Ento-
mology would appear in alternate months in double parts, and this
arrangement seems to have begun with parts 109-110, and is noticed
to continue to parts 117 and 118. We have also wrappers for 159 and
160, and 169 and 170, but one may conjecture this to have been an
irregular proceeding, for the Linnean Society of London received most
of the parts separately from Curtis himself, as seen by the Donation
Book of that Society, itself a most valuable record for many works.
We do not therefore think that there is any need to distin-b the dates
given on the plates, at this distance of time, for the sa.ke of a few odd
iPii.] 95
bi-iiiontlily issues, which it would be most difficult uow to date with
accuracy.
In 1829 Cui'tis apparently found his stock of back numlxjrs
running short, for he began to bring out a second edition. Parts one
to eight were re-written and enlarged, some from two to ten pages,
with alterations of nomenclature and additions ; parts nine to thirty
were reset and reprinted without alteration or addition ; and parts 31
to 192 were all of the first edition, i.e., one setting and one printing.
The dates and contents of the first eight parts of the second
edition are as follows :—
1 1829 contains 4, 2, 4, 2, 2 pp.
2. post Julv, 1830 „ 2, 4, 6, 4, 2 pp.
3. ...March, 1834 „ 2,10,2,2 pp.
4. ... _^;os^ 1834 „ 4, 8, 2, 2 pp.
5. ... post 1835 „ 2, 2, 2, 2 pp.
6 1839 „ 2, 2, 2, 2 pp.
7 P1840 „ 2, 2, 2, 2 pp.
8 P1840 „ 2, 2, 2, 2 pp.
The only complete copy of original first editions we have handled
is that belonging to the Linnean Society ; the Entomological Society's
copy (Curtis' own) is " made up " by the replacement of second
editions of the early parts as more up-to-date : so is the copy in the
British Museum (Nat. Hist.) which was the Earl of Shefiield's, but
having a fine copy of the first edition of volume one separately, the
British Museimi (Nat. Hist.) does now possess the entire first edition.
A very fine copy of the complete second edition in the original boards
with all the replacing title pages, &c., which are dated " 1823-1840 "
is also in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) as is also Lovell Reeves'
reprint of the second edition issued in 1862 (to the best of our
knowledge) .
As clues to the recognition of the second edition of parts one
to eight may bementioned : —
Part 1, plate 4. Peltastes pini becomes in ed. 2... P. dentatus.
„ 2, „ 7. Odenesis 2^ini ,, „ 2...Dendrolimus
pmi, and 2 pp. on 0. potatoria are added.
,, 3, ,,11. Molorchus minor becomes in ed. 2 . . .Necydalis
minor.
,, „ ,, 12. Lycaena dispar — figiu'es of larva and pupa
added on plate ; text extended to 10 pp.
„ 4, ,, 10. Peronea is enlarged to 8 pp.
„ 5-8. Although the 2 pp. are adhered to, the material is
altered and increased, with consequently a
crowded second page, as compared with
the second page in edition one.
It is interesting to note that at this present moment (Jan., 1911)
the 770 oi-iginal drawings for this beautiful work are being offered for
sale by a well-known London bookseller.
March 1st, 1911.
86 [April.
The African Entomoloijical Research Committee. — With a view to furthering
the work of this Committee, Mr. Andrew Carnegie has been good enough to
place at its disposal a sum of ^61000 a year for three years, to defray the cost of
sending a few suitably qualified young men to the United States to study the
practical applications of Entomology which have received so much attention in
that country. Three of these Carnegie Scliolars, as they are to be called, have
been selected, and two of them are already at work in the States. The fact
that Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of Entomology at Washington, is
personally interesting himself in the matter is a sufficient guarantee that all
possible facilities will be given to the scholars, and it may be confidently
expected that the scheme will be of great value to British administration in
Africa and elsewhere by providing a body of well-trained Entomologists avail-
able for employment in the services of the different Colonial Governments. It
may be mentioned that the Eesearch Committee was appointed in June, 1909,
by Lord Crewe, the then Secretary of State for the Colonies, with the object of
promoting the stiidy of the insects which play so prominent a pai"t in the
spread of disease among men, animals, and plants in Africa j that Lord Cromer
is its President : and that it includes some of the most eminent authorities on
Entomology and tropical medicine in this coiintry. During the short period of
the Committee's existence satisfactory progress has been made. The scheme
has been energetically taken up by the African Colonies and Protectorates, and
the large quantity of material already received at the Committee's Office in the
Natural History Muse\im at South Kensington has very materially increased
our knowledge of the insect pests of Africa. The collections of insects, after
being properly identified and recorded, are being distributed to the Schools of
Tropical Medicine, Universities, Museums, or other institutions where they are
likely to be of value for the purpose of teaching or scientific study. Two
skilled Entomologists are being employed under the direction of the Committee
in East and West Africa respectively, for the piu'pose of interesting and in-
structing the local officials in the work, and also of carrying out special investi-
gations. The Committee has issued quarterly a scientific journal, entitled the
" Bulletin of Entomological Eesearch," of which the first volmne is just
completed. It contains many important articles by well-known axithorities,
and is obtaining a wide circulation. Further particrdars may be obtained from
the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Grviy Marshall, British Musevmi (Natm\al
History), South Kensington, London. — Eds.
A 'preliminary note on the so-called carrion -feeding Coleoptera. — The
majority of the following observations were made on several warm sunny days
in June whilst watching small carcases (rat, mole, young rabbit) placed in a
field on the open ground. The gi-ass was close and short and the earth below
rather hard. There was a slight S.W. breeze hardly felt near the ground, but
plainly perceptible a few feet above it. The observer lay close to the carcases
so that the arrival of the various species of Coleoptera could easily be seen, and
even heard in the case of the larger species, and these were also often visible
against the sky whilst still in fliglit some distance away. The proximity of the
observer, however, did not appear to disconcert the beetles, as they occasionally
1911.] 87
crawled ixnconcoruedly over liim un the wiiy to the hait. The majority, as
might have been expected, flew up from the N.E. — in the opposite direction to
the wind — and of those which finally reached the bait from other points of the
compass, many were seen in the first place to approach from the N.E., but,
having overshot the mark, circled ronnd and came back. Unlike the various
species of Diptera, however, which alighted freely upon the carcases, no Coleop-
tcra were seen actually to settle upon the baits. The beetles whose arrival was
watched whilst still in flght all dropped to the ground some 2 or 3 feet from
the objective and then made their way thither on foot as much as possible
under cover of the grass, forcing their way through the close-set blades with
greedy haste until they finally scuttled under cover of the carcase. One
specimen of Necrophorus mspator was seen in flight, whilst still some 20 or 30
feet away approaching \ip-wind in a zig-zag manner and rather slowly. AVhen
about 3 feet from a dead rat, it settled iipon a tall flowering grass, hastily
folded its wings away, dropped cliunsily upon the short grass below and,
righting itself, travelled the remaining distance under cover of the short grass.
In most cases, however, the beetles were flrst observed diu-ing their journey on
foot. The arrivals grew more numerous as decomposition advanced, but fell
off rapidly when the baits began to dry up. Many of the Coleoptera identified,
(but these were only the larger species) were definitely seen to feed upon the fly
larvae which swarmed to such an extent that, at their maximum development, the
carcases had a tremtdous movement due to the wriggling of the mass of larvae
within. The following species of Coleoptera were seen actually bearing away
a fly larva held in their jaws : Aleochara lata, Gr., Creophilus maxillosus, L.,
Lcistotrophus murinus, L., Silpha rugosa, L., and sinuata, F., Hister cadaverinus,
Hoffm., and Saprinus nitidulus, Pk., and seneus, F. An individual Silpha
rugosa with the apex of the left elytron badly mutilated was seen twice in
an hour with a larva in its jaws, and was still about the carcase on the two
following days. A specimen of Leistotrophus murinus also, distinguishable by
its unusiially small size, retvirned to one bait at least three times within the
hour, emerging with a captured larva. The behaviour of the beetles after the
captm-e of their prey varied. The larger species, such as Creophilus, Leisto-
trophus, and some of the Silphse and Saprini mentioned, carried their food away
into the surrounding grass to eat at leisure. Of these the Leistotrophi were
remarkable by reason of the freedom with which they exposed themselves.
Unlike the others, which seemed to move over the surface of the carcase only
when compelled to do so and phmged into the short grass as soon as possible
after capturing their prey, the Leistotrophi coursed gaily over the body when
the fancy seized them, and when approaching the bait or after a successful
capture, ran with a very rapid, though jerky motion, over the surface of the
grass. Many of the beetles, however, appeared to make burrows into the earth,
radiating outwards from the carcase, into which they retreated witli their food.
In one of these a specimen of Gnathoncus nannetcnsis. Mars., was foimd
together with its prey, a small fly larva.
As regards the Nccrophori, during these observations the earth was too
hard for them to burrow into, but some notes were made on their habits several
years before in the New Forest. The l)ait (a magpie and several vipers) was
88 [AprU,
placed beneath some pine trees at the entrance of a " ride." The ground was
ideal for buiTOwing, being a loose humns of decaying pine-needles neither too
damp nor too dry. At first the take of Necrophori was disappointing, as only
those seen on turning over the bait or those in the mould immediately beneath
it were captui-ed. It was soon seen, however, that much larger numbers coidd
be fovmd by turning over the mould in a circle two or three feet in diameter
round the carcases as the beetles evidently burrowed outwards into the
sv^ri'ovuiding earth. All the British species of Nccrophorus, with the exception
of N. interrvptus, were taken in this manner, but this was subsequently
obtained, in an identical fashion, in the motdd round a dead kitten placed on a
soft flower-bed at Broadstairs.
The consideration of some of the foregoing observations is of interest. It
appears obvious that the beetles find their way to carrion by some sense akin to
our own sense of smell. This is particularly shown by the fact that they ch-op
to the ground some distance away from the soiu'ce of the odour, as this would
diffuse in greatest strength for a short distance along the ground in the still
air amongst the vegetation before rising sufficiently to be can-ied along by the
breeze. The beetles then, following the line of maximum odour, would find it
dip down towards the ground a short distance before the actual site of the
carcase. This argues, however, that their power of vision must be small and
reliance placed entirely on the sense of smell or its equivalent.
It is obvious from some facts recorded above that many of the so-called
carrion feeding beetles are not true carrion feeders, but take their toll from the
rich harvest of larvae which appears so rapidly in any carcase. The list given
only includes those which, without distvirbance of the baits, could be identified
when seen carrying off larvee, and I feel sure that it will be very greatly
extended. I am not convinced that the Necrophori themselves even are true
carrion feeders. Wex-e this the case one would expect them to remain in the
carcases for some time to feed on the decomposing flesh, but in my experience
they seem to pay only short visits and then to retire into the surrounding
mould, or grass if the mould be too hard for burrowing, in exactly the same
manner as those species seen actually to feed vipon larvae. They are, however,
particularly shy of exposing themselves once the carcase is reached, and I have
not been lucky enough to see one with its prey. Possibly they feed upon the
smaller Coleoptera as well as, or instead of, the fly larvae.
Lastly, I am by no means convinced that the " bvirying " of the carcase
is due only to the Necrophori, or that it is a pui-posive act. The burial of a
carcase is partly apparent and partly real. As decomposition advances the
corpse, after a preliminary expansion dvie to the gases liberated by the bacteria
within, becomes much flatter than at first owing to the dispersal of the gases
through the various rents formed and to actual loss of substance due to the
voraciovxs onslaughts of the larvae. At the same time the vegetation beneath
is killed by the deleterious juices which soak down into it. This dead vegeta-
tion IS soon disintegrated and carried away by the action of the beetles
scrambling to and from their food supply, provided of coui-se that it be not too
dense. Should the grouud be firm the same action causes a dusty hollow to
appear in the earth itself beneath the carcase, but the real amount of burial is
1311.) 89
much loss than the apparent, owing" to the flattening of the corpse and the fact
that it lies below the level of the upright uninjured vegetation around. In
loose earth, of course, the biirial may be very much moi-e complete, as the
mould is easily pushed outwards from beneath the body, and because the
larger Necrophori then also assist in the work. It appears to me possible that
some of the Coleoptera found in moles' nests really feed upon the fly and flea
larva; also present, and these beetles might be expected to be more numerous
in the mould round than in the nest itself.
The value of knowledge of the insects which prey upon the larvae of
Diptera lias only been recognised since the accumiilation of evidence that the
spread of certain diseases, such as enteric fever and the svunmer diarrhoea of
infants, is dvie to a large extent to adult flies. Further observations, therefore,
upon these insects, both in carcases and manure heaps, is of decided interest
and importance. — C. F. Selous, Barton-on-Sea, Hants : December, 1910.
— > Coleoptera from underground wasps' nests. — Having opened the underground
nests of wasps for several successive years in search of Coleoptera, a short account
of the species found may prove interesting to other Naturalists, The first nest
was opened on 12.11.07, and contained a pair each of Oxypoda spectahilis, Miirk.,
and Qiiedius puncticollis, Th., and several examples of Homalota ravilla, Er.
A second nest contained another pair of Q. puncticollis, Th., several Homalota
occulta, Er., Choleva tristis, Pz., chrysomeloides, Pz., with large numbers of Crypto-
phagus puhesce7is, Stm. A third nest was opened on 14.11.07, and contained
saveral examples of Q. puncticollis, Th., C. tristis, Pz., chrysomeloides, Pz., and
H. ravilla, Er.
The following season, 1908, only one nest was marked down, and it was
opened early in November, when it contained two Oxypoda spectabilis, Mark.,
three 0. vittata, Miirk., a pair of Q. puncticollis, Th., a number of H. ravilla, 'Er.,
and C. puhescens, Stm.
In 1909 the wasps vacated their nests earlier in the season, and the first
nest was opened on 16.10.09. and contained a pair of O. spectahilis, Mark., several
0. vittata, Miirk., and one Proteinus ovaJis, Steph. A second nest yielded several
Q. puncticollis, Th., and 0. vittata, Mark. A third nest was explored 1.11.09 and
contained several 0. vittata, Mark., and a few H. ravilla, Er. A fourth nest
opened 30.12.09 contained H. ravilla, Er,. in numbers, but no other species.
In 1910 only one nest was located, and owing to the mild weather the wasps
did not finish work until the first week in December, the nest was opened within
a few days and contained several 0. vittata, Mark., and H. ravilla, Er., in
nvunbers.
Of the beetles found Quedius puncticollis, Th., has only occurred on three
occasions away from the nests, one being dug ovit of a rabbit bvu-row and two
beaten from the growing branches of Scotch pine. Oxypoda spectabilis, Mark.,
was taken once in a dead rabbit ; 0. vittata, Mark., has been taken several
times amongst haystack refuse, ff. ravilla, Er., is a regular inhabitant of
underground nests, and has been taken in the nests of moles, rabbits, and field
voles. Cryptophagus pubescens, Stm., though not always present, appears to
make its home in these nests ; in the two nests where it was present it was in
90 [April,
large numbers, and larvse swarmed and subsequently hatched oiit in hundreds
from the refuse of these nests. Q. 2iuncticollis, Th., was also bred from larva
taken from several nests, bixt as yet I have been unable to bx'eed either of the
Oxypodas, though H. ravilla, Er., emerged in numbers. The remaining species
found arc no doubt only casual inhabitants of these nests.
I lisually locate the wasps' nests near hei'e while the wasps are still strong
on the wing, jotting down details as to precise locality so as to be able to find
them when there are no wasps flying to guide one to the entrance, and then
await the time when the early frosts kill off all the wox-kers, and find the nests
most productive of good species within about ten days after the wasps have
finally left them. — H. Britten, Prospect House, Salkeld Dykes, Penrith :
March 10th, 1911.
Cassida nohilis, L., in Dumbartonshire. — There being, so far as I am aware,
no record of Cassida nobilis from Scotland, it may be of interest to readers of
this Magazine to know that on June 27th last I took five specimens among
stones under Silene maritima, on the shoi'e cf Loch Long, near Peaton, Dum-
bartonshire. The presence of numerous Cassida larvaj on the plants first
attracted my attention and led to the discovery of the beetles. Dr. D. Sharp
has seen one of the specimens and confirmed the identification. — William
Evans, Morningside Park, Edinburgh: February 9th, 1911.
Ova of Xanthia ocellaris taken in the field. — I have svicceeded this year in
finding four batches of ova of X. ocellaris, and as this is, I believe, the first
time that they have been taken in the field in England, the record may be of
interest. All the ova were laid between the catkin buds and the twig on black
poplar, and in three cases they were on the under-side, and therefore least
exposed to the sun. The niunbers were respectively 11, 7, 5, and 2. — H. O.
Mills, Hurst Cottage, Hamjjton-on-Thames : March 1st, 1911.
^-^ Hymenoptera Aculeata in Cornwall in 1910. — The climatic conditions
throughovit the year wei-e extremely unfavourable for Entomology, embracing
as they did low temiDeratm-e, lack of sunshine, continued gales of wind, and an
abnormal rainfall. The scarcity of Lepidoptera was especially noticeable, though
not surprising, when one considers that similar conditions prevailed during the
season of 1909. With Hymenoptera, however, the results were more satisfactory,
and I have to record having captured 101 species of Aculeates, amongst which
are a few very rare ones. In my contribution to the February number (1909)
of this Magazine I had the pleasure of saying that all the species had been
determined by the late Mr. Edward Saunders, whose untimelj' death took place
in that very month ; may I therefore be permitted to express how deeply, in
common with all Hymenopterists, I deplore this great loss to the Entomological
world. His co-worker, the Rev. F. D. Morice, has generously come to my
aid and determined all my captures for 1910, and to him I tender grateful
thanks for this valuable assistance and encouragement.
The following is my list, giving all the data possible, which information
isn.] 91
appears to be so frequently wanting in the works on Aculeates, that I have so
far been able to study. The Classification is that of Saunders's " Hymonoptera
Aculeata of the British Islands."
I. — Tliree species new to Cornwall : Astatus stigma, Panz., five S cT
June 11th, on North Coast; (a very rare insect, of which Saunders says ''A.
stigma is so rare that nothing is known of its habits"). Andrena apicata.
Smith, eight S i and one ? March 30th, Truro district, at rest in sunshine on
telegraph post ; one 9 April 1st, Trxiro district, on wing about gorse flowers
("a rare insect," Saimders). Megachile Zi^f jwseca, Kirb., two g S J^ily 2nd, near
Idless (•' not common," Saunders).
II. — Other species to those recorded in last year's Ent. Mo. Mag., p. 38.
Tiphia miniUa, V. d. L., one ? Jirly 2nd, near Idless, at rest on alder leaves.
Pompilus gibbus, Fab., one ? July 2nd, near Seawswater, on Heracleum flower ;
three ? ? September 8th, 10th and 13th, Lizard district. P. pectinipes, V. d.
L., one $ September 2nd, North coast. Salius affinis, V. d. L., one 9 September
5th, Carnon Croft ("rare," Saunders). Trijpoxylon figulus, Linn., one ? July
23rd, Calenick. Ammophila hirsuta. Scop., numerous 9 9 from April 13th to
Jixne 18th, on North Coast. Pemphredon luguhris, Latr., seven 9 9 September
14th, Lizard district, found flying in and out of a rotten stump of tree of which
I broke off a piece and found nests in galleries which were abundantly pro-
visioned with green Aphides ; flying in and out of same tree stump I took at
same time iowv 9 9 Crabro clavipes, Linn. Grabro clavipes, Linn., four 9 9
September 14th, Lizard District (see note with preceding species). C. leucos-
tomus, Linn., two 9 9 September 14th, Lizard district. C. varius, Lep., one g
July 2nd, near Idless, at rest on Alder leaves. 0. cavifrons, Thoms., two g g
July 1st, Devoran, on Heracleum, flowers ; four J <J July 8th, near Idless, on
Heracleum flowers. C. vagus, Linn., one t^ July 8th, near Idless, on Heracleum
flowers. Odynerus pictus, Curt., one (J June 19th, Trvu'O; one 9 July 1st, De-
voran, about one foot above high water mark in a horizontal crevice of rock
along tidal cx-eek; the crevice was sealed with mud for about an inch in
length, which attracted my attention ; a single green Lepidopterous larva was
found inside crevice with the insect ("not common," Saunders). 0. gracilis,
Bridle, one ^ and one 9 July 2nd, near Idless, on wing about marshy ground.
Halictus xanthopus, Kirb., one tJ September 7th, near Helston, on bramble
flower (uncommon in Cornwall). H. leucozonius, Schr., two 9 9 June 18th,
North Coast ; one <J September 5th, Carnon Croft, on heather flower ; two ^ <J
September 14th, Lizard district. H. quadrinotatus, Kirb., one 9 April 8th, near
Triu'o ; one 9 May 16th, Truro ; one J September 5th, Carnon Croft, on flowers
of heath and heather (" uncommon," Saunders) . Andrena pilipes, Fab., one J
and seven 9 ? September 9th, Lizard district, on flowers of Erica vagans (" not
common," Saunders). A. rosrn var. austriaca, Panz., one (J July 23rd, near
Truro, flying along hedgerow ; the Eev. F. D. Morice remarks, " very beautiful
variety, with white apical bands ; c/. Panzei-'s austriaca." The only previous
record for Cornwall is that of Mr. D. Marquand for Land's End district, 1881,
see Penzance Natural History and Antiquarian Society Transactions, Vol. I,
N.S., 1880-1884, where Mr. Marquand states that "all liis Acxdeates were de-
termined by Mr. J. B. Bridgman, Norwich." A./ulva, Schr., one 9 May IGtli,
92 (April,
Cai-clew Woods, at rest on road in sunshine. A. clarkella, Kirb., one ? April
1st, near Truro, flying about gorse flowers. A. /ulvicrus, Kirb., three <? J and
three ? ? April 2nd, near North Coast, on gorse flowers and sallow catkins. A-
proxima, Kirb., five ? ? July 2nd, near Idless ; two ? 9 July 8th, near Idless ;
one ? September 9th, Lizard district ("a very rare insect," Saunders): the
only previous recoi-d for Cornwall is a single 9 taken June 7th, 1883, at Gidval,
near Penzance, by Mr. E. D. Marquand ; see Penzance Transactions, previously
referred to. A. afzeliella, Kirb., one 9 September 5th, Carnon Croft, on heath
and heather flowers ; one 9 September 9th, Lizard district, on flowers of Erica
vagans. Cilissa leponna, Panz., one J Jnly 9th, Calenick, on flower of field
rose ("not common," Saiuiders). Panurgus calcaratus. Scop., one J July 20th,
near Helston, curled up in flower of hawkweed, in heavy sea fog. Nomada
solidaginis, Panz., four 9 9 September 5th, Carnon Croft, on flowers of heath
and heather. N. bifida, Thoms., one 9 May 16th, near Truro, about gravelly
bank. Epeolus rufipes, Thoms., one 9 September 5th, Carnon Croft, on flowers
of heath and heather. Megachile argentata. Fab., four ^ ,7 June 18th, North
Coast. Osmia aurulenta, Panz., three J <? and one 9 April 30th, three <? <?
May 14th, five <? J and four 9 9 May 21st, one S and four 9 9 June 18th, all
on North Coast ; 9 9 taken twice in snail shells into which I saw them creep.
A^ithidium manicatum, Linn., one 9 Jiily 8th, near Idless ; one 9 July 23rd,
Calenick (" not common," Saunders). Bombus jonellus. Smith, one 9 April 8th,
near Truro, on sallow catkin. Last year I recorded as " new to the coiuity " the
following species, of which I have again captured specimens this year : — Andrena
fucata, Smith, twe S S May 6th, near Trvu'O. Bombus soroensis, Fab., one S
September 30th, near Truro (" a rare insect," Saunders, '• a good thing every
where," Rev. F. D. Morice).
Amongst my other captures for 1909 were the following additional species
which the late Edward Saunders especially asked me to record, and of which I
have further captures this year as follows : — Oxybelus mucronatus, Fab., $ 9
only September 2nd, between Newquay and Perranporth ("rare," Saunders).
Odynerus trimarginatus, Zett., one 9 September 10th, Lizard district. Colletes
succindus, Linn., foiir J <J and two 9 9 September 5th, Carnon Croft, on flowers
of heath and heather, Andrena rosse, Panz., var. spinigera, Kirb., one 9 March
23rd, near Feock ; three S i April 1st, near Truro, flying around gorse flowers ;
one 9 September 7th, near Helston, on bramble flower; six 9 ? September 9th,
Lizard district, on bramble flowers (" not common," Savinders). A. angustior,
Kirb., one 9 March 23rd, near Feock, on dandelion flower ; one 9 April 29th,
Devoran ; five S S May 16th, between Truro and Restronquet. Osmia solslcyi,
Moraw., = leaiana, Kirb., =^ fulviventris, Panz., one 9 June 17th, Calenick ;
one 9 June 19th, Truro. Bombus latreillellus, Kirb., var. distinguendus, Mor.,
one 9 June 3rd, near Truro, climbing about tall gTass stems in a somewhat
lethargic condition, about 10 a.m. on a grey morning.
It may be interesting to record the following " Stylopised " insects : — An-
drena rosse, var. trimmerana, Kirb., one 9 May 15th, 1909 ; A. nigrosenea, Kirb.,
one (J ? May 29th, 1909 ; A. rosse, var. trimmerana, Kirb., one ^ April 24th, 1910 ;
A. nana, Kirb., one 9 July 2nd, 1910; one 9 July 8th, 1910.
Vespidse (wasps) were much less numeroiis than usual throughout the year.
— W. A. RoLLASON, " Lamorna," Truro, Cornwall : February Wth, 1911.
]<>n.] 93
\^ Some Hymenoptera Parasitica from the Highlands. — In August and December
last I did a little collecting on Deeside, between Banchory and Ballater, as in the
same months of 1909 {cf. Ent. Mo. Mag., 1910, Jan., p. 36). The two seasons were
very different ; this year the flowers were earlier and sooner over, there was
less heavy rain in those months, and there was a plague of wasps. Every head
of blossom was covered with them, and there was a corresponding scarcity of
other insects. The Ichneumonidx taken are worth recording, as so few records
are known from Scotland ; the predominance of males is due to the fact that
they were mostly taken by hand from Umhelliferse, only a small proportion
being taken by promiscuous sweeping. Ccelichneumon fuscipes, Gmel., ?, all
the previous records appear to be from London and the southern counties ;
Cratichneumon anmdator. Fab., S ; C. cor^iscator, L., <? , Mr. Claude Morley
(Ichn. Brit., i, 66) considers this to be a southern species, and not recorded north
of Suffolk ; Barichneumon vestigator, Wesm., <? ; Ichneumon latrator. Fab., ^ ? ;
I. atramentarius, Grav., ^ , rarely taken so far north ; I. extensorius, L., <J ;
I. confusorius, Grav., ^ ; Chasmias motatorius, F., S ; Ctenichneumon fossorius,
Grav., 9, first recorded (I.e.) from Scotland by me last year; Amhlyteles
oratorius, F., <? ; Platylabus pedatorius, F., ? ; Microcrxjptus nigrocinctus, Grav.,
(? ; M. sperator, Miill., ^ ; Glyphicnemis profligator, F., ? ; G. erythrogastra, Grav.,
? (J ; Phygadeuon va.riabilis, Grav., S ; P- fumator, Grav., g ; Hemiteles fulvipes,
Grav., 9 ; Stilpnus gagates, Grav., 9 ; Atractodes bicolor, Grav., 9 ; ^- gilvipes,
Holmgr., (? , rare ; Exolytus scrutator, Hal., g , rare ; Pimpla detrita, Holmgr.,
9 ; P. examinator. Fab., ^ ; Glypta sculpturata, Grav., 9 > not previously
recorded further north than Freshney Bog, Lines. ; Lissonota hellator, Grav., g ;
L. cylindrator, Vill., 9 c? ; -^- sulphurifera, Grav., ^ $ ; L. variabilis, Holmgr, 9 ;
Meniscus catenator, Panz., 9 ; Bassus biguttatus, Grav. 9 ; Bassus, sp. n., probably
undescribed ; * Exochus prosopius, Grav., one very small $ ; Tryphon elongator.
Fab., (J , I also took several 9 9 of this at Nairn in 1904 ; T. helophilus, Gr., g •
T. vulgaris, Holmgr., 9 ; T. brunniventris, Gi'av., $ 9 ; Cteniscus ustulatxis,
Holmgr., (J ; C. flavilabris, Holmgr., 9 ; C. dahlbomi, Holmgi'.,t S ; Mesoleptus
ruficornis, Grav., (? ; several specimens of Perilissus, Euryproctus, and Mesoleptxts
as yet vinidentified ; Plectiscus albipalpis, Gr&v., 9; Mesochor^is fulgurans, Cxxxt.,
9 ; and M.\vitticollis, Holmgr., 9 • There was not anything worth noting among
the few Braconidm, Aculeata, and Tenthredinidse ; the latter were very scarce
this year, in strong contrast to the large numbers in 1909. — E. A. Elliott.
Hampstead: December, 1910.
Mycetophila ornata, ? Steph., in the New Forest. — For some time I have,
withovit success, been trying to find the specific name of two specimens of a
Mycetophila taken at Lyndhixrst on April 13th, 1897, and November 4th, 1908,
respectively. A few days back however, quite by chance, I came across the
subject of this note figured and described in the Supplement to Stephens'
" Ilkistrations of British Entomology," and whether rightly or wrongly named,
* This interesting insect, hitherto unknown to me, will he described in the forthcoming
volume (vol. iv) of my " Ichneumons of Great Britain."— Claude Morley.
t I have just discovered that this species is synonymous with Tn/phon lineola, Stcjih. (Ulustr.
Mand., vii, 2oo), the type of which is a 9, still extant in tlic liritish Miisimhh Collcctinii ;
Holmgren's name must follow. — C. M.
H
94 [April,
it is certainly the same as my own, bnt unfortunately no such species as
ornata, Steph., is mentioned in any British or foreign list that I possess, nor
can I trace it as a synonym. I shall therefore be much obliged if any of
your readers can inform me what species Stephens' figure really represents ? —
Fredk C. Adams, 30, Ashley Gardens, S.W. : January 11th, 1911.
(Sfiecics of Ejncypta and Phronia bred.- — In the May number of this Maga-
zine for 1910, p. 119, there is a short notice on the breeding of a Mycetophila
from some very small limpet-like larvae found crawling on barkless sodden oak
branches. Mr. Swanton has again found apparently the same kind of larvae
both near Haslemere, May 18th, and at Weston-super-Mare, J\ine 26th, on
barkless sodden fir branches ; these he sent to Mr. F. Jenkinson, of Cambridge,
who in each case, bred from this material specimens of Phronia hasalis, Winn.,
or a very nearly allied species. On searching again at Haslemere Mr. Swanton
found, on November 4th, some dark slug-like larvae feeding on sodden barkless
fir-wood, from these he bred, early in December, several flies, which he sent to
Mr. Jenkinson who determined two of them as Phronia ? hasalis $ and ? , with
them were a species of Rhymosia and of Mycetophila ; but one or other of these
was caught on a window, and perhaps had not been bred from the fir wood.
Mr. Jenkinson has also seen one of the specimens bred in 1909, and says it
is certainly a species of Epicypta, jjerhaps trinotata, Staeg.
Thus we have species of two different genera of Mycetophilidm appai'ently
bred from these two kinds of larvae ; it remains for Entomologists to collect
and breed these larvae and discriminate betw^een them. — E. N. Bloomfield,
Guestling Rectory: February 11th, 1911.
Hemiptera in Surrey and Dorsetshire. — During an excursion from Woking in
the early part of Ai\gust, 1910, I foimd Oncotylus viridiflavus in abundance on
the top of the Hog's Back. Within some hundred yards there must have been
thousands on the Centaurea, for, every time I swept, there were forty or fifty
in the net. I also foimd it on the next day in some quantities on Centaurea
near Byfleet Station.
On another day I managed to take three specimens of Anthocoris limbatus
on sallow, but not on the same bush as I had taken it in two previous years, so
that the species seems to be spreading. I may also record Salda marginalis
from Studland, Dorset, which is a new locality for it. I have also to add
the captvu'e of Aphanus quadratus by myself at Swanage last July. — H. A.
Saunders, Brookfield House, Swanage : February 19th, 1911.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society : Meeting held at
the Eoyal Institution, Colquit Sti-eet, Liverpool, Jamuiry IGth, 1911. — Mr. Geo.
Arnold, M.Sc, Vice-President, in the Chair.
1911.J 95
A discussion on '' A ijrotis cursoria and its Varieties" was opened by Mr.
W. Mansbridg-e and continued by Mr. T. Baxter, of St. Anne's-on-Sea, Mr. F. N.
Pierce, and other Members. Mr. Baxter brought his fine varied series of
cursoria for exhibition, which included some very rare forms as well as the
commoner vars. br^innea, ochrea, sagitta, cserulea, costa-cserulea, and obsoleta.
Mr. W. Mansbridge also brought a varied series from St. Anne's. At Wallasey
and Crosby A. cAirsoria is of extremely rare occiirrence and, though still common
on the North Lancashire sandhills, it is not nearly so abundant as was the case
some tAventy years ago, owing to the encroachments iipon its haunts by builders
and golfers. Mr. Baxter said, that having given particular attention to the
matter, he had never seen the ordinary mottled form in coii. witli the streaked
form sagitta, and suggested that there might be two species in collections under
the same name ; he had seen many specimens paired during the last season,
but they were always of similar varieties. Other exhibits were : by Mr C. B.
Williams, Hesperia lineola, Apamea ophiogramma and Plusia nioneta from
Cambridge ; a series of Macrogaster castaneas and a large number of local fen
species from Wicken. Mr. Geo. Ai-nold brought Pepsis formosus from California,
locally called the " Tarantula Killer " together with oiu' largest Bx'itish Pom-
pilid, Salius fuscus, for comparison ; also Anomma hurmcistcri <J and 9 > the
" Driver Ant " from Central Africa. — H. E. Sweeting and Wm. Mansbridge,
Hon. Secretaries.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, December oth, 1910. — Mr. W. J. Kaye, F.E.S., President, in the
Chair.
Mr. Kidner, of Sidcup, was elected a Member.
Mr. Sich exhibited, on behalf of Mr. J. W. Tutt, a pair of the beautiful
Gelechiid, Gelechia tessella (quadrella), taken on August Oth, 1908, in the Lower
Engadine, between Sus and Lavin, over 4600 ft. elevation. Mr. E.. Adkin, a
series of Anthrocera filipendulse, reared from pupas gathered at Westerham,
which emerged in late July, and also specimens captured at Northwood in late
June some years ago. He then discussed the form known as A. hippocrcpidis.
Mr. W. J. Kaye read a paper entitled " Collecting in Brazil," being an account
of a long visit paid to that country by Mr. Dvikinfield Jones and himself in the
early pai-t of 1910. Mr. Jones then sliowed a large nmnber of slides, most of
them original, illustrative of the paper.
Thursday, January 12th, 1911. — The President in the Chair.
The President referred to the groat loss that the science of Entomology
had incvu-red by the death of Mr. J. W. Tutt, a past President of the Society.
Mr. Phillips, of Forest Gate, Avas elected a Member.
Mr. Tonge exhibited photographs of the ova in situ of Plebei^is argus
(segon), Ruralis betulip, and Calamia lutosa, and also of the early stage of a
wasp's nest {Vespa sylvestris) found in a pig-sty. Mr. Lucas, a teratological
example of Anosia plexippus with right fore-Aving sliorter and narrower than
96 [April,
normally and with concave outer margin. Mr. Newman (1), extremely light
and very dark forms, with unusually small and very large forms of Malacosoma
castrensis and M. neustria ; (2), a very red Phlogophora meticulosa ; (3), second
brood specimens of Pericallia syringaria, small and dark-banded ; (4), second
brood of Selenia lunaria, i.e., v. delunaria; and (5), living imagines, pupae and
full-fed larvae of Aphantopus hyperanthus reared by Mr. Oliver. Mr. Adkin,
selections of several broods, reared originally from a black ? ab. nigra of
Boarmia genimaria and communicated a full note on the resiilts. Mr. Hemmings,
bred and caught series of Melitsea aurinia from Wiltshire, where the species
has been somewhat common. Mr. Hemmings, on behalf of Mr. P. A. Biixton, the
same species, with the note that all emerged in the afternoon ; he also showed
series of Adopxa flava from Sussex showing two distinct forms. Mr. Coote, two
very dark green examples of Panolis pinipcrda. Mr. Piatt Barrett, an example
of Satur7iia pavonia-niajor fi'om Sicily. Mr. Kaye, Myelohius murana, a Sphin-
gid-like Pyrale from S. America. Mr. Step, a cluster of oak galls, Cynips hollari,
from which birds had systematically extracted the tenant larvae. Dr. Hodgson,
long series of varied fonns of M. aurinia of many localities. Mr. West called
attention to the drawer of the Society's type collection which he was exhibiting
and to which, while re-arranging, he had added some 60 species of Colcoptcra
from his own collection. Mr. Priske showed a number of slides illustrative of
the life-history of the glow-worm, which Mr. Main and he were observing, and
read notes on what they had so far effected. Mr. Lucas read a paper, " Notes
on the Natural Order Neiiroptera," and showed a large number of lantern slides
to illustrate his remarks.
Thursday, January 26th, 1911. — The President in the Chair.
Annual Meeting.
The Report of the Covmcil was adopted. It stated that the membership
stood at 16i, and that the average attendance at the twenty -three meetings
was 33. The volume of Proceedings published consisted of 150 pages with 13
plates, and was the most attractive that the Society had produced. The
following is a list of the Member's elected to fill the offices of the Society for
the ensuing year — President: W. J. Kaye, F.E.S. Vice-Presidents: A. Sich,
F.E.S., and A. E. Tonge, F.E.S. Treasurer: T. W. Hall, F.E.S. Librarian:
A. W. Dods. Curator: W. West (Greenwich). Hon. Secretaries: Stanley
Edwards, F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. (Corresp.), and Hy. J. Turner, F.E.S (Report.).
Council: R. Adkin, F.E.S., F. W. Cowham, E. C. Joy, F.E.S., R. A. R. Priske,
F.E.S., A. Russell, F.E.S., B. H. Smith, B.A., E. Step, F.L.S. The President
then read his Address. After dealing with the affairs of the Society and making
suitable references to those who had passed away during the year-, particularly
to the irreparable loss, not only the Society, but the Entomological world, had
incvirred by the death of a past President, Mr. J. W. Tutt, he proceeded to the
subject of his Address : " Neiu-ation in its bearings on the Classification of
Lepidoptera." Votes of thanks were then passed to the retiring Officers and
Council. Mr. Turner, on behalf of Mr. Mvirray, of St. Anne's-on-Sea, exhibited
a series of Luperina gueneei taken at the above place, including the typical
1911.] ()7
forni, the var. huxteri, and two new and very distinct forms, one of them with a
very pale, ahnost white, sub-marginal band, which he was namino' var. murrayi,
and the other several very dark melanic specimens which ho was naming var.
fusca. Both worn and almost bred conditioned specimens were shown. Mr.
Newman, autumn bred specimens of var. hutchinsoni, of Polygonia c-album
they were from the same 9 as the yellow forms. — Ht. J. Turner, Hon.
Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, Fehruary 1st, 1911. —
Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.Z.S., in the Chair.
It was announced that the Council had nominated the Rev. F. D. Morice,
M.A., as President for the current year.
Mr. W. J. Kaye exhibited several Heliconii from Eastern Ecuador, inclu-
ding the forms H. ruhripicta, adonides, and feyeri with streaked hind-wing. He
observed that it seemed now to be possible, and even likely, that H. melpomene
aglaope would eventually be proved to be linked with H. plesseni throxigh these
newly discovered forms, and that this species would then have to be sunk as a
sub-species of H. melpomene. Similarly, H. notabilis through ilia and feyeri
was probably only a sub-species of H. erato, though the material was insufficient
at present to form a conclusion. Dr. Nicholson exhibited and described a new
species of Tachyporus which he has named fasciatus. There were two speci-
mens taken at Wicken Fen from under sedge-refuse, in April and August, 1910.
This species is intermediate between T. solutus, Er., and T. chrysomelinus, L.
It differs from the former in the shape of the antennae, which are of the same
length, but are not thickened towards the apex ; by its finer punctuation
throughout ; by the pronounced broad black band on the elytra ; and by the
fact that the marginal bristles of the elytra are long and stout, as in T. chryso-
melinus, and not short and fine, as in T. solutus. Mr. H. J. Tiu-ner, several very
interesting forms of Luperina gueneei, inckiding two new aberrations: (i), ab.
murroAji (n. ab.) which is quite typical L. gueneei in texture, shade of colour,
and in markings, with this very marked difference, that the sub-marginal area
between the dark marginal lunules and the sub-marginal line, is much paler
than any other portion of the wing, throwing out by contrast these dark lunules
very conspicuously ; (ii). ab. fusca (n. ab.), of which three specimens were
exhibited, are undoubted L. gueneei in all their characters but depth of colour ;
these are believed to be the first melanic specimens which have been so far
obtained. All the markings are much intensified, the grotind coloiu- is much
darker than in typical examples, very dark grey with, in a good light, faint
flushes of a ferruginous tint. The contrast between grovmd colour and markings
is very much stronger than in any of the other forms. Mr. Champion, on
behalf of Mr. J. H. Keys, the black variety of Athous hxmorrhoidalis, F., from
Dartmoor, recorded by the latter in the Ent. Mo. Mag., xlvi, p. 262 ; and also a
red variety of the ^ of Agahus bipustulatus, L., from the same locality. The
Rev. A. T. Stiff, who was present as a visitor, exhibited some second brood
specimens of Polygonia c-alhum var. Imtchinsoyii. The vars., including three
intermediate, emerged on October 16th, 19th (:3), 20th, 21st (2), 22nd, 23rd and
26th, 1910. It is believed that there is no record of var. ludchinsoni having
98 tApril,
ever been bred in tlie second brood of c-album. Mr. Eowland-Brown and Mr.
Bethune-Baker both observed that on the Continent they had taken hibernated
specimens of the var. hutchinsoni. Dr. O. M. Eeiiter communicated a paper
entitled " Bryocorina nonnnlhi Aethiopica descripta " ab O. M. Reviter et B.
Poppius. Commander Walker, one of the Secretaries, read a paper on behalf
of Col. Manders, entitled, " A factor in the production of mutual resemblance
in allied species of butterflies : a presumed Miillerian combination of Euploeas
in S. India and Amauris in S Africa." The methods adopted in his experi-
ments, and the conclusions drawn from them by tlie author were, to some
extent, the svibject of criticism, both by Mr. G. A. K. Marshall and Dr.
Chapman. Mr. Merrifield added a few observations with regard to the com-
parative immunity of Pierine liutterflies from the attacks of birds.
A vote of condolence with the family of the late Mr. J. W. Tutt was
moved from the Chair, all the Fellows present signifying approval by rising. —
George Wheeler, Hon. Secretary.
A WEEK'S COLLECTING AT BEEISAL.
BY G. T. BETHUNE-BAKER, F.L.S.
I arrived at Berisal from the Laquintlial on Monday, July 25tli ;
the day was cold, but at that favoured spot the sun was shining, and
the air very different to that I experienced over the Simplon, where it
was necessary to walk really quickly in order to keep warm, whilst on
the Kulm itself a short cold shower of sleet greeted nie. After kmch
I descended to the " Pont Napoleon " to explore that part of the dis-
trict, but beyond a few Pleheivs coridon and one or two of the commoner
species very little was on the wing, the day not having been warm
enough to induce butterflies to fly later than usual. I took, however,
a nice ? P. bryoiiise and Collas pliicomone. Zyyxiia traitsalpina was
quite fresh, the specimens being beautifully deep red in their under-
wings and markings, whilst an almost typical carnioliea, but with the
abdomen all black, accepted warmer quarters in a glass-bottomed box
Avithout demur ; it was, however, getting towards evening, so I returned
under the hospitable roof so ably and kindly conducted by Mrs. Keating,
and wondered what acquaintances I should make at the dinner table.
The following day was lovely, and was spent in the well known
haunts of Plebehis lycidas ; on my way thither nuicli time was spent
in watching and taking other species. P. coridon was quite the com-
monest "blue" present, P. escheri came next, and of this I took a
good series, but females were not much " en evidence," and I only
obtained a single specimen ; ir.arus was almost over, tlietis also being
in the same condition, so that I only retained three examples. P. hylas
was equally scarce in that part of the valley, and I took but one,
i
1911.1 99
which, however, made up for its rarity by being of a quite unusually
deep blue, something very near to escheri, but bluer and more lustrous,
whilst on another occasion I took a second specimen that is the largest
and most brilliantly pale lustrous blue I have yet seen. Of P. dainon
I captured under a dozen altogether, so that it also could not be con-
sidered abundant, but it may come on rather later at this altitude, for
I remember finding it in very large numbers at Alvaneii Bad (a lower
altitude) during the first week in August ; a few examples of what
used to be known by the name of argus, quite fresh and good, also
made the acquaintance of my net.
As I came to the fir trees, the Satyridse soon made themselves
seen, and if not secured at the first stroke generally made themselves
scarce ; 9 S. semele were beautifully dark, with broad yellow areas,
hermione also was fairly common, whilst cordula, in most beautiful
condition, deep velvety black, was not uncommon, but most elusive ;
it is an insect that always makes me covetous, and I cannot help going
after it, but it has a (to me) uncertain flight, and at the critical
moment has a peculiar knack of doubling, so that when you think he
is secured this time you find he has tricked you again, and is " lost to
sight, though to memory dear."
At last, in spite of all the Scyllas and Charybdis, in the form of
these various enticements, the " lycidas ground " is reached, but, alas,
the hay is cut, nevertheless, here comes one along, which is secm*ed,
and another, and another, but evidently the time of their beauty is
nearly over, the females are as common as the males, and on the whole
in better condition, and, all told, only a moderate series falls to my
lot ; it was, however, delightful to make a first acquaintance in the
flesh with the species, and also on the same ground to take Parnassius
mnemosyne, the only one I saw during my holiday. Melanargia
gcdathea was also obtained in good order, whilst Melitsea didyma was
not uncommon, and Argynnis Jathonia presented itself in a single
example.
One species that always delights me I omitted to mention, viz.,
Heodes alci})liron var. gordius in both sexes, its colour always gives me
great satisfaction, and creates a sense of delight that no other of its
genus does, though virgaurese is a real jewel in the brilliant sun.
Several of the following days were spent exploring the secrets of
the Bortel Alp and Glacier, and also in the Steinthal and around its
large moraine. For my excursion to the latter locality I had the
pleasure of having for my companion Monsieur de Beaulieu, of Cannes,
who was also a keen collector, and we had, so far as I was concerned,
100 [April, 1911
several very liappy days together ; the one spent in the Steinthal,
however, was not altogether a suet-ess, from the entomological point of
view, for when we got well up in the valley the sky clouded over with
the natural result of quite a small list of captures. Perhaps the
commonest insect of all that we encountered was Psyrhe i^himistreUa
on the ridge of the mountain beside the Stein Moraine, and above
he Morpaine, where it was most plentiful, had one desii-ed it we
could have taken hundreds of specimens. Among the bilberry, so
plentiful on the side of the mountain, high up opposite Berisal, Colias
■palieno was flying as late as 5 p.m., when the sun had appeared again
and was shining brightly, I took several specimens on our way back
from the Stein valley. The Bortel Alp and above it was also an
excellent hunting ground, whilst the valley leading to both localities
abounded with the species that haunted the lower levels. Parnassius
cvpnUn, large fine examples, were not infrequent beside the road below
the Pont Napoleon, and I noticed the spots were very deep carmine
red. For the first time in my life I was able to take Pieris callidice
in beautiful condition in the higher regions without having to bestow
on them any superfluous exertion ; they were quite common, especially
below the Bortel Grlacier, and a fair series of both sexes was obtained ;
napi was almost over, Collar pliieomone was plentiful here as elsewhere,
whilst the Argynnids were remarkable rather by their absence than
their presence ; aglaia was flying but rarely ; of evphrosyne I only
captured four, two c[uite fresh and two worn ; ^^fl/es in the higher
regions was as plentiful as usual, but I came across no varieties, such
as one sees not infrequently in the Engadine.
On the Bortel Alp Melitsea cynthia was not uncommon, and was
in very good condition, one or two of my captures having evidently
emerged the same day. Here also Anthrocera exulans was flying most
vigorously and plentifully ; I do not remember to have seen this species
so active elsewhere, the males flying generally about eight feet from
the ground in a straight line and at a very rapid pace, I noticed it in
the first instance by missing the specimen I struck at, and wondering
which species it could be, as earlier in the day I had taken them on
the flowers or flying from flower to flower, but this afternoon flight,
between 3.30 and 4.30 p.m., was different to anything I had observed
before, it appeared to be confined to the males, as I did not take any
females at this time. Parasemia plantaginis was also much " en evi-
dence " on the same spot, where I also took both v. Iiospita and ab.
melas ; Setina aurita, var. ramosa wns likewise not infrequent, and in
beautifully fresh condition.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
Philip de la Garde, to " Woodlands," Avonwick, S. Brent, S. Devon.
Malcolm Burr, to Castle Hill House, Dover.
M, E. Dattin, 27, Rue Bezan9on a Langres (Haute Marno), France.
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CONTENTS.
PASS
Chironomid larvffi and Water-snails (continued) — K. B.. Barnard 77
Another hundred new British species of Diptera. — G. H. Terrall, F.E.S 79
A note on Dr. Sharp's new species of Gabrius. — Norman H. Joy, M.R.C.S.,
F.E.S 80
A new Crambus from New Zealand. — E. Meyrick, B.A., F.R.S 82
Hilara aeronetha, Mik : a Dipteron new to the British List. — A. E. J. Carter 83
Note on John Curtis' British Entomology, 1824-1839 : 1829-1839 : and 1862.—
C. Davies Sherborn and J. Hartley Durrani, F.E.S 81
i-^' The African Entomological Research Committee. — Eds 86
"" Y -A- preliminary note on the so-called carrion-feeding Coleoptera. — C. F. Selous,
M.B., F.R.C.S., F.R.C.P 87
Coleoptera from underground wasps' nests. — H. Britten, F.E.S 89
Cassida nobilis, L., in Dumbartonshire. — William Evans 90
Ova of Xanthia oceilaris taken in the field. — H. O. Mills 90
Hymenoptera Aculeata in Cornwall in 1910. — W. A. Rollason, F.E.S 90
Some Hymenoptera Parasitica from the Highlands. — E. A. Elliott, F.E.S 93
Mycetophila ornata ? Steph., in the New Forest. — Fredk. C. Adams, F.Z.S.... 93
Species of Epicypta and Phronia bred. — Rev. E. N. Bloomjield, M.A., F.E.S. 94
Hemiptera in Surrey and Dorsetshire. — H. A. Saunders, B.A. 94
Societies. — Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society 95
South London Entomological Society 95
Entomological Society of London 97
A week's collecting at Berisal. — O. T. Bethun'-Baker, F.L.S 98
T)K. STAUDINGER & BANG-HAAS, BLASEWITZ- DRESDEN,
-^ in their new Price List, No. LIV for 1911, offer more than 18,500 species
of well-named LEPIDOPTEHA, set or in papers, from all parts of the world,
in finest condition ; 1600 kinds of PREPARED LARV^ ; numerous LIVING
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XpOR SALE.— A large collection of INDIAN BUTTERFLIES,
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Letters to A. Napiee, 52, Seymour Street, Euston Square, N.W.
A BTSSINIA.— FOR SALE, all kinds of Insects as well as other
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Just over the waterfall at the back of this Alp Erehia yoryc loved
to disport itself, settling in the blazing sun on the hot rocks above the
stream with its wings rather more than half open and head upwards,
so that the full rays would shine direct upon it ; this species, though
often difficult to take, was not rare, but it did not frequent the Alp to
any extent, though I took it all over the district near the streams
among the rocky and broken ground. On the Bortel Alp and the
mountain slopes E. lappona was the commonest of the genus, next to
this came einphrou in the higher altitudes, but in the lower districts
ligea was far away the most frequent of the group ; of nielampus I
only took a couple of specimens, and tyndarus, though in excellent
condition, w^as not as common as I should have expected. I captured
a nice series of mnestra, bvxt goante was quite rare, but perhaps late
in the season as it was, the species was just beginning to emerge, as a
week and a fortnight later I found it plentifully at Macugnaga, and
also at Saas Fee ; ceto was probably going over, as only a short series
fell to my net, whilst of stygne I only took a single specimen with an
excessively black under- side.
There are one or two points of interest that I noted in the
Erehias — there was quite a high per centage of gorge without any
spots at all on the upper surface, and this was usually repeated below
as well ; ligea and its var. adyte occurred somewhat indiscriminately
together ; epiphron also had a strong tendency to develop spotless
aberrations, and I took some specimens without any spots whatever ;
of the one species that I especially wanted, viz., gJaciaiis, I did not see a
single example, and I learned from other entomologists in the hotel
that it had scarcely been seen at all this season.
Ccenonympha arcania was very common in its form dartviniana,
the specimens being of an unusually bright fulvous. Lithosia liiri-
deola I found both at rest and on the wing, evidently recently emerged,
whilst Emydia crlbruni v. ptmctigera was also taken at rest. Macro-
glossa steUatarum was busy as usual in the hot sun, whilst in the
valleys I fovmd Anthrocera lonicerx and transalpina fairly abundant,
filipendulx was rare, and I took a couple of examples of carnioUca v.
hedysari. The only species of Ino that I saw or took was a pair of
statices v. heydenreichii.
Anthrocera achilleas was not uncommon near the haunts of P.
lycidas, whilst hign on the way to the Bortel Alp some beautifully blue
102 [May,
V. heydenreichii fell to my net, and in the same place Nemeopliila
sanio (russula) was talcen flying wildly over the bilberry ; here also I
took Anarta melanopa and both Psodos alpinata and coracina, whilst
nearer the glacier P. trepidaria was less common ; a nice pair of that
interesting black Tineid Melasma Ingvbris also fell victims to my
avarice. In the valley beside the main stream Plebeius argus (s^gon)
was very abimdant, with imiTSually broad dark borders ; argyrognomo7i
was comparatively scarce, whilst Syrichthus cacalix was plentiful,
alveus less so, and carthami not infrequent. Of Adopsea lineola I took
biit two, but A. thanmas was plentiful. Of Lycmnidx in the higher
regions my list is small. Plebeius argvs (xgcm) occurred high up in
the Steinthal, with a single specimen of argyrognoinon, and the former
also occurred fairly high towards the Bortel Alp, where I likewise
took semiargus in both sexes ; a single worn specimen of eumedon
showed this species to be over ; ario7i I took sparingly all over the
district, a couple of rich blue, though over a very restricted area of
the wings, and nicely radiated females fell to my net, and several of
the males were of the spotless variety ; astrarche now and then found
its way into my boxes, as also an occasional orbitulus, and among the
bilberry on the way up the steep zigzag to the Bortel. Heodes
Mppotlwe was fairly common, but only one var. eurybia ; virgaurex at
this height was just coming out, though below along the upper way of
the stream near the Pont Napoleon I could have taken hundreds
just emerged, but I did not see a single female at this date, evidently
it was a little early, considering the lateness of the season, for a week
hence at Macugnaga I took plenty of females. The only species of
Titanio that I met with were phrygialis and schranhimia. Cramhi
were quite unusually scarce, the common culmelUis and dumefelhts,
together with perlellns and its var. warringtoneUns being the only
species T saw. Enclidia glyphica was not an infrequent visitor, and a
single Mamestra glauca allowed itself to be taken. [ have rarely, if
ever, found the Heterocera as a whole so remarkable for their absence.
On the whole, however, I was well satisfied with my stay. I
obtained all the species but one that I went for, whilst the scenery is
lovely in whichever direction one elects to go, and last, but not least,
under the kind care of Mrs. Keating everything is done in the Hotel
that is possible for the comfort and well being of the visitors.
19, Clarendon Eoad, Edgbaston :
December dth, 1910.
1911.] ^03
HELP-NOTES TOWARDS THE DETEEMINATION OF BRITISH
TENTHBEDINIDM, &c. (28).
BY THE REV. F. D. MOKICE, M.A., F.E.S.
MACROPHYA, Dahlb.
The statement in my last paper that the abdomen of Perinenra
riihi, Pz., is " fulvous-yellow (testaceous) " is correct as to the male,
but requires amendment in the case of the female. In that sex the
sides and the whole ventral surface of the abdomen are much infuscated
and only the central portion of its dorsum distinctl}^ reddish, some-
what as in Thrinax macula, Kl. (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1908, p. 193). I
might have mentioned also that in this insect the thorax is prettily
marked with white above in both sexes, and that the ^J stigma is nearly
unicolorous (yellow) , while in the $ it is particoloured (the base yellow
but the apex black).
Coming now to the genus Macrophya, I wish first to correct another
inexactitude which I have only just detected in my " Table of G-eneric
Characters" (see Ent. Mo. Mag., 1903, p. 198, line 16). There I say
that in Macropliya, Almntus, and Tenthredo the least distance between
the eyes is " less " than the width of the clypeus. This should be
qualified by adding " or if not so, then with short thick antennae and
abnormally elongate hind coxae," to meet the case of Macrophya 'piinc-
tuni album, L., which, as Dr. Enslin has pointed out, differs from its
congeners in having eyes lying " outside the clypeus," and separated
therefore by at least the full width of the latter from each other.
The structural differences between Macropliya species, though not
imimportant, are seldom conspicuous ; and in most cases a determina-
tion can be arrived at simply from the colour-characters. Some of
these, it is true, are inconstant and tmreliable, but the majority of them
are practically invariable — such as the colour of the stigma, and the
red yellow or white markings on certain joints of the legs, which are
often very characteristic and conspicuous.
Comparatively a very small proportion (less than one- sixth) of the
59 Palaearctic species lately tabulated by Dr. Enslin occur in this
country ; but such as do occur seem to be mostly fairly common, at
least in the southern counties. An exception is alhipuncta, Fall, (not
to be confounded ynth. punctum aZfewm, Linn.), which I have never
seen except from Germany, but which is, I doubt not, correctly re-
corded by Mr. Cameron as British. I include this species therefore in
my Tables, but mark it with a t to show that I cannot personally
vouch for its occurrence. Mr. Cameron's hxmatopus, however, I omit,
I 2
104 [May,
as I feel oertam that the records of it i-efer (v. infra) to varieties of
rufipes.
(N.B. — In the following Synoptic Tables, when abdominal seg- i
ments are numbered 1, 2, 3, &c.,the pi'opodeum is not reckoned as one
of the segments).
SYNOPTIC TABLE FOR BRITISH MACROPHTA Spp.
1 . Hind femora bright red, at least oixtside 2.
— No part of the legs red ' 4.
2. Hind femora streaked longly with black inside, hind tibiaj black entirely.
Abdomen with a broad red band occupying three segments. Stigma
yellowish ( $ . Length of body, abont 9 mm.) rufipes, Linn. <J .
Hind femora almost immaculate red, hind tibiae not entirely black. Abdo-
men never with more than two red segments, sometimes ( J ) black entirely.
3.
3. Stigma yellow. Hind tibise bi'oadly ringed with red at their apices
Abdomen distinctly and evenly pvxnctiired, scarcely shining ; segments
3 — 4 nearly always marked above with red ; sides of segm. 6, with large
creamy marks covering part of its dorsal surface ; sides only of segm. 7
with similar but smaller spots hardly visible from above ; apical segment
entirely of the same coloixr. Clypeus wider than the least distance
between the eyes. Length, about 11 mm rufijjes, Linn. 9 •
— Stigma dusky. Hind tibiae at their apices only streaked (not ringed) with
white (not red). Abdomen smooth and shining, its puncturation very
indistinct and irregular ; its whole dorsum (except the apical segment)
black, and only the sides ornamented with an even row of five equal sub-
triangular whitish spots or splashes, not visible in the direct dorsal view.
Clypeus narrower — or at least not wider — than the least distance between
the eyes (the inner orbits of the latter being distinctly less convergent
than is iisiial in this genvis). Smaller than rufipes, about 8 mm long...
punctum album, Linn., 9 .
4. Hind femora and tibia3 entirely black. Abdomen nearly always with a
broad red central belt or band, but in certain cases black entirely.
(Large forms, about 10 — 13 mm. long) 5.
— At least the hind tibiae marked with white or yellow. No part of abdomen
ever red 6.
5, Hind coxae in both sexes with large whitish markings. Red abdominal
band often more or less obsolete in the ^ i , more rarely so in the 9 9 •
blanda, Fabr.
— Very like the preceding, but the hind coxae are entirely black, and the red
abdominal band, at least in British specimens, seems to be constant and
scarcely variable in both sexes. (In Soiith Europe, liowever, I have
taken both sexes with the abdomen entirely black, and similar varieties
may perhaps occur here also). This is a very common species almost
everywhere annulata, Geoffr.
(= neglecta, C).
1911.] - ' 105
6. Stigma yellow. (This aloiio will distinguiali it from ;i.ny of the following
species!). Legs black, more or less marked with white, these markings
tending to disappear in the J <? . The ^ abdomen is normally quite
black, but sometimes even in this sex and regularly in the ? two or three
of the intermediate segments are spotted on the sides with white, and
the middle of the 8th segm. above is white also.
(Length, about 10- — 11 mm.) 12 punctata, Linn.
— Stigma always dusky 7.
7. Four front femora and tibiae almost entii'ely yellow in front and behind.
The female at once recognisable by its Allantus-like coloration, the black
abdomen bearing several yellow fasciae, continuous on the propodeum
and the apical segment, interrupted [i. e., broken into pairs of large
lateral spots, which however occupy much of the dorsum on segments
■4 — 5). The hind femora have yellow bases, and the hind tibiae are
spotted with yellow before their apices.
(A large «pecies, about 10 — 14 mm. long) rustica, Linn.
— Front femora and tibiae always more or less lined with black behind... 8.
8. Eyes nearly parallel (scarcely convergent) and distant from each other by
quite the width of the clypeiis. A S , with diill strongly punctured
vertex, and entii-ely black abdomen. ^Except as to the eyes, much re-
sembling ribis, and perhaps mixed with it in collections, cf. the Notes
on Species following) punctum album, L., ^ .
— Convergence of eyes considerable. The least distance between them less
than the width of the clypeus 9.
9. Pleiu-ae with white marks. Abdominal segments with very narrow pale
apical margins, somewhat widening on the sides and beneath. In the J
the ventral svirface may be practically white. (I have never seen a
British example of this insect myself, but Mr. Cameron's records of it
seem to be reliable) f albipuncta. Fall.
— Pleiu'ae immaculate 10.
10. Vertex almost impimctate and very shining ; marked in the ? (always ?)
with two minvite white spots. Abdomen quite black, or with variable
white markings (e. g., on the propodeum and the apical segment in the
? , the sides and venter in the ^ , &c., but none of these give constant
characters !). Generally part of the pronotum and tegulae, and often the
$ sciitelhmi is white. Legs l>lack with white markings.
(Length, about 10 mm.) albicincta, Schr.
— Vertex coarsely punctured and dull, immaculate in both sexes. Thorax
and abdonaen both entirely black. Legs black and ^\hite, much as in the
last species. (Length, about 8 — 10 mm.) ribis, Schr.
[Besides the above species, hasmatopus, Pauz. — oiie of tlie many
synonyms of diversipes, Schr. — has been quoted as a British species,
but I have little doubt (see Ent. Mo. Ma^., 1902, p. 207) erroneously).
This insect and the darkest forms of nifi])es have a somewhat similar
106 [May,
coloration, and the two have certainly been confounded both in col-
lections and descriptions ; but they are really very distinct. In di-
versipes the dorsum of the abdomen has an intensely fine sculpture,
visible only under high magnification, while the punctures etc. of
rufipes are comparatively quite strong and conspicuous. I have several
specimens of the former from Switzerland and Austria, but never
saw anything really like it from any British locality, all those recorded
as hxmatopus which I have been able to trace being undoubtedly forms
of rufipes] .
NOTES ON THE SPECIES.
Rtifipes seems fairly common on the south coast (Swauage, Worth-
ing), and I have taken it occasionally here in Surrey (Effingham) and
in the New Forest.
Pnnctuni album is an exceedingly pretty little insect, which I have
fomid in many localities both British and Continental, but only $ $ ,
and always, I believe, on privet (Ligustrum). I have vainly sought
f 01' c? c? ill s-ll the collections public and private which I have examined
in this coimtry and elsewhere, but never found one, nor am I acquainted
with any description of it, except that in Dr. Enslin's Revision
published last year. The insect is so distinct in the $ by its colour
characters that it is perhaps not surprising that the peculiar situation
of its eyes should have been unnoticed till Dr. Enslin called attention
to it, and as this seems to be the only positive character by which the
^ can be detected, specimens of the latter may not improbably exist
in collections standing mider the name of rihis. Now that its charac-
ters are known, more specimens will probably turn up, if carefully
looked for in May and Ji;ne near privet hedges (the species has been
said to occur also on Fraxinus and Quercus).
\2 punctata, L., is said to be attached to Alnus. I have taken it
occasionally, but know nothing myself of its habits or life-history.
Rustica, in the ? , owing to the coloration, is apt to be mistaken
by beginners for an Allantus. It is not an uncommon insect on um-
bellifers, &c. ; but I find no statement in any of the books I have
consvilted as to the food-plant or appearance of its larva, nor can I give
any evidence of my own on the subject.
Blanda occurs here (neighbourhood of Woking) not unfrequently.
Hartig says it is found " in beech woods and hedges."
Annulata is common and widely distributed. I have seen it
running over herbage, going in and out of bushes, and once skipping
i
1911.] 107
about a strawberry bed iii a iiiaiiiier which at first made iiie luistalce it
for a large Salius fiiscus.
Alhicincta is found everywhere, also in Scotland (vide Cameron).
Its food-plant is said to be Samhucus nujra.
Bibis seems to be much less common than alhicincta, but I have
found single specimens of it occasionally. Its name indicates the
supposed food-plant of its larva, but whether it is really always at-
tached to Bibes I cannot say.
The imagines of all the above species seem to appear usually in
May or June, seldom much earlier or later. None of them, as far as
I know, are double-brooded.
(To be continued).
TWO NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS CHILOSIA, Mg.
BY COLBRAN J. WAINWRIGHT, F.E.S.
I do not as a rule favour the plan of describing odd species
belonging to such genera as CMlosia, especially from single specimens ;
but the two species here described are unusually well characterised,
and the Swiss one being rather a fine insect which was too liandsome
to remain unnamed, led me to depart from my rule. By the kind per-
mission of Herr Th. Becker I was enabled to submit my specimens to
him before describing them, in order that possible mistakes might be
avoided, and he writes agreeing that they are both new.
Chilosia helvetica, n. sp.
^ . Eyes and face bare ; tibicB broadly yellow at both ends, tarsi in great
part yellow; antennae large and all fulvous, with bare arista; largish
species 11 mm. long, shining dark olive-green ; pubescence on thorax short
but dense, and entirely golden ; toings with bright yellow veins, and a con-
spicuoMs darlc patch across centre, with an inconspicuous dark cloud at tip.
S ■ Head viewed in profile with moderately produced lower face ; face
slightly hollowed below antennae, nearly straight ; central knob small but well
defined, occupying rather more than one-fom-th of the face height ; iipper
mouth edge projecting considerably further forward than central knob ; lower
mouth edge much below iipper mouth edge, and the curve from one to the
other deeply hollowed ; for a similar head form see Fig. 23 in Becker's Mono-
graph of the genus CMlosia, in that, however, the central knob is a little more
prominent than in helvetica. Face withoiit hairs, but clothed with pale tomen-
tvun, which, however, leaves the central knob down to the upper mouth edge,
and the jowls in part, shining black. The eye margins narrow and equal in
108 [May,
width, witli pale hairs ; frons shining black, with a narrow margin of pale
tomentiuu against the eyes, and a fringe of golden hairs springing out of the to-
nientose portion ; vertex with a few golden hairs. Eyes bare. Antennae large,
wide, and rounded in front with no angulation at all ; entirely fulvous, with a
quite bare shining fulvous arista. Thorax dark olive-green, finely but closely
punctate and shining, the puncturation coarsening posteriorly ; entirely clothed
with an even short but dense and conspicuous golden piibescence ; scutellum
like the thorax, but very coarsely punctate with a marginal fringe of x-ather
longer pale hairs, but no bristles. Abdomen rather narrow, not widening much
in the middle, nearly black ; first segment covered with a bluish-grey tonien-
tum, the others shining, finely but very closely punctate ; second segment
clotlied with golden pubescence on the front margin and broadly at the sides,
in svich a manner as to leave a large semicircular discal patch on the hind
margin free from the golden pubescence, but clothed with very short incon-
spicuous black haix's ; the third segmexxt is alixxost entirely clothed with the
short incoixspicuous black pxibescence, the loxxger goldexx pxibescence being
coixfined naxTOwly to the sides ; the fourth segment bears longer pubescence
tlxroughovit, but while goldeix behind it tends to become darker towards the
froixt margin. Under-side entirely covex-ed with whitish toxxxexxtxuxi. Legs
with black fenxora, ixarrowly yellow at each exxd ; with yellow trochaixters and
dark coxaj. Femox*a with a doxxble row of fiixe black setae on the apical ixxner
portioix, in all thx'ee pairs ; those on the hind pair beiixg nxore nxunerous, and
exteixded over the greater part of the length ; those on the froxxt pair being
inconspicxxoxxs. Tibiae broadly yellow at both ends, in all three pairs. Tax-si
clear yellow, excepting that the last two joints on the two hind pairs of legs ;
aixd the froixt tarsi above ax-e darkened ; all the pubescence on the legs pale.
Wings with the cubital (3rd longitxxdinal) and ixxarginal cross veins meeting
on the costa itself, forixxing axx acxxte angle, and thus leavixxg xxo stalk to the 1st
posterior cell ; the subcostal (1st longitxxdinal) vein ends abrxxptly in the costa
with an ixpward curve ; the 3rd section of the costa, that is the section between
the tei'minatioixs of the mediastinal (axxxiliaiy) aixd sxxbcostal (1st longitxxdiixal)
veins, vexy loixg, fvxlly 3^ tixixes as long as the very shox-t 4tlx section ; all the
veins clear bright yellow in the basal half of wings, theix a conspicxxoxxs dark
patch extends half way across the wing, coxixxxxencing at the apical portion of
the mediastinal (axxxiliary) vein, occxxpying the base of the sxxbmargiixal cell
and suxToxinding the lower cross vein, bixt not the discal cross vein, which is
independently darkened ; beyond this the veins rexxxain dark, excepting for a
conspicxxoxxs clear yellow patch oix the front xxxargiix, traceable half way across
the wiixg, but chiefly coxxspicxxous ixx the stigixxa and iix the poi-tioxxs of the
costal and sxxbcostal veins adjoining ; the apical portion of the wings faixxtly
cloxxded. Alxxlae whitish, with golden fx-inge ; halteres white.
Length, aboxxt 11 mm., expanse, aboxxt 21 mnx.
The species ruus dowoi to cwrulescens, Mg., in the table of males
in Becker's Mouograph, and specimens of that species were taken at
the same time and place. It is, however, ahiindantly distinct ; the
smaller size, bhiish-black colour, and hoai'y pubescence of cceru-
1911.] 109
lescens ; its small anteuuoB, and nearly clear wings, with but a slight
dark central patch, being obvious characters sufl&cient to distin-
guish it at a glance from helvetica. Herr Becker remarks that it is
close to Ch. dombressonensis ; that species, however, is described by
Rougemont, who published the description, as having small antennae,
clear wings, and no black hairs on abdomen, with a piibescence chiefly
grey (" flavogriseis " on thorax, and " griseis " on abdomen), and Herr
Becker adds that it also differs in the profile.
One male specimen ; Aigle — Rhone Valley — Switzerland ; May
13th, 1910 (C. J. Wainwright).
Chilosia rodgeksii, n. sp.
? . Eyes hairy ; face devoid of hairs on the disc ; no bristles on margin
of scutellum ; frons not sulcata, hut longitudinally striate ; Zrd joint of an-
tenncB of medium size, dark re /-brown, not angulated, but nearly circular,
with a rather short thickish nearly bare arista ; pubescence throughout pale,
and short, especially on abdomen; legs with femora narrowly i^ale at tips ;
tihice pale at both ends, but only narrowly so at tips ; tarsi all dark above,
but paler beneath, especially on hind pair, and paler betioeen the joints ;
wings rusty yellow ; olivaceous species finely punctate and shining.
9 . Head viewed in profile, with lower part of face not prodviced ; face
nearly perpendicular ; slightly hollowed below antennae ; central knob small ;
month edge not prominent; and iipper mouth edge not much above lower
mouth edge ; under-side of head straight and jowls abovit \ eye width ; frons
wide, of eye width at vertex seen from above, and widening with the face
evenly to under-side of head. Sculpturation of frons peculiar, scarcely to be
described as silicate, but the usual central sulcus indicated and bordered
closely by longitiidinal striae which curve outwards above for the ocellary
triangle and inconspicuously also below for the antennal base ; coarsely punc-
tate abovit the striae, but becoming more finely and sparsely punctate towards
the eye margins which are smooth and shining. Eyes conspicuously hairy ;
pubescence pale ; frons also clothed with pubescence of same length and coloiu*
as the eyes, becoming rather longer at the vertex ; face not very pollinose,
almost all shining, Avith a little tomentum under the antennae and in the
hollows ; eye margins i-ather wide btit regular in width, black with pale hairs ;
palpi yellow. Antennae medium in size, nearly circular, not angulated at all ;
dark with distinct f ulvovis color ; perhaps better described as reddish-brown ;
arista shortish, thick, same colour as antennae, with very short pubescence.
Thorax and scutellum olive-green, finely but closely punctate, shining, with
short thick pale pubescence intermixed with slightly longer hairs ; no bristles
on margin of scutellum. Abdomen a blacker olive-green, very finely and
sparsely punctate, shining ; with short, not dense, pale pubescence ; imder-side
dull with hoary tomentum. Wings uniformly coloured with i-ather thick veins,
of a rusty yellow colour ; the marginal cross vein meets the cubital (3rd longi-
110 [May.
tudinal) almost in a right angle, and some distance from the edge of wing
leaving a long stalk to the 1st posterior cell, more than J the length of the
marginal cross vein. Alulae rusty yellow ; hal teres with dark knob. Legs with
the femora dark all excepting very narrow tips ; tibia dark, with the bases
broadly and tips narrowly yellow ; tarsi dark above, but paler beneath, espe-
cially on front jaair ; and also pale between the joints. Length, 8 mm.
Herr Becker remarked that tliis species was quite unknown to liini,
and called special attention to the sculpture of the frons, which seems
an important character. Owing to the difficulty of deciding whether its
antennae are " rothbraun" or " schwarzbraim," it is uncertain as to which
group it would run in Becker's tables ; but if regarded as " rothbraun "
it would run to latiigidosa, Becker, and brachysoma, Egger, neither of
which it resembles, and which can be distinguished at a glance by the
entirely yellow tibiae of lan'ujnlosa, and the nearly bare eyes of brachy-
soma ; if i-egarded as " schwarzbraiui " it would run to the group of
species including grossa, Fall., viontana, Egg., and alpina, Zett., which
it resembles no more closely ; they ai-e large, densely hairy species ;
grossa, Fall., has yellow tibiae ; and the sculpturation of the frons
alone would separate it from any of them.
I have named this species after the captor, the Eev. E. E. Eodgers,
who first introduced me to the study of Entomology many years ago.
One female specimen; Biskra — Algeria; 1904 (Eev. E. E.
Eodgers) .
45, Handsworth Wood Koad,
Hands worth. Staffs. :
March, 1911.
A note on Liodes {Anisotoma, Schmidt) similata, Rye. — I have for long sus-
pected that the Liodes similata, Rye, described by Ganglbauer in " Die Kiifer
von Mitteleuropa," vol. iii, p. 226, is not the true L. similata, and I think I can
now definitely say that this is the case. Dr. Fleischer has kindly sent me a
specimen of the insect known on the Continent luider the above name, and I find
that it does not answer to the original description of the species (Ent. Mo. Mag.,
vol. vii, p. 8). Probably the type is in the Mason collection, and so I am unable
to .examine it, but Mr. Donisthorpe lias lent me a sijecimen named by Eye
himself, which in every detail matches his description. The Continental
species is a very distinct form, and is jDlaced by Ganglbauer in a diffex*-
ent subgenus from L. hadia, Sturm, on account of the shape of the meso-
sternal keel. It answers the description of L. similata in being larger, and in
having proportionately longer elytra than L. badia, but the punctuation of the
striae of the elytra is certainly not " much more delicate," and the -ith stria is
not " waved abotit the upper third." It differs from the true L. similata in
having the elyti-a still longer, and the punctuation of the striae much stronger.
1911.1 in
and the pmictiu-es placed closer tog-ether. It is quite evident tliat the Conti-
nental insect requires a new name, and I propose to call it L. Jlcischeri. I prefer
to discuss later the qiiestion as to whether L. similata is a var. of L. hadia or a
good species. — Norman H. Jot, Bradfield, Reading : April 6th, 1911.
Epipeda nigricans : a correction. — The species recorded by me under this
name (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. xlv, p. 268) is Atheta (Homalota) inhabilis,
Kraatz. I took further specimens of it last year at Pitlochrj', Perthshire. It
could hardly be mistaken for any other member of the genus, and can only be
compared to Epipeda plana, Gryll. — Id.
Oxytelus saulcyi, Pand., near Portsmouth. — I took five examples of this
insect in a mole's nest close to Widley, Hants., on March 7th. I have worked
many nests this winter abovit Torquay, Weymouth, and Portsmouth, but the
above-mentioned specimens are the only ones I have taken, so it would appear
to be a rare, or at all events a local insect. — M. Cameron, H.M.S. " Attentive,"
Home Fleet : April 1th, 1911.
Symhiotes latus, Redt., and Plegaderus dissectus, Er., near Oxford. — At the
end of January I foiuid two specimens of Symhiotes latus in a piece of hard
fungus broiTght home by me from the hollow interior of an elm stiuup near
Wood Eaton, Oxon, and laid aside on a shelf in my study for several days.
Sitbsequent visits to the stiunp have prodviced a fair series of this interesting
jittle beetle, for the most part in chinks of rather diy wood permeated with
fimgoid gTOwth. On April 13th I was greatly pleased to turn out of a wet
rotten place in the hollow a specimen of Plegaderus dissectus ; a very unexpected
capture here, the more so as the species has not to my knowledge been recorded as
occurring in elm. In the New Forest I have taken Plegaderus not uncommonly
at times, but without exception in much decayed beech timber. Other Cole-
opterous tenants of the stump include Ahrseus glohosus, Mycetasa hirta, and Cis
nitidus, all in numbers, and one Niptus crenatus, which latter species is not
uncommon in the manger of a cowhouse not very far away. — James J. Walker,
Oxford: April 18th, 1911.
Note o?i the larva of Halonota turhidana, Tr. — The larva of this species
appears to be unknown, or, if known, thei'e is no published description of it up
to the present time. Barrett (Lep. Brit. Is., vol. xi, p. 48) says, " Larva imde-
scribed. It is believed to live through the winter, and till May, in the stems
and roots of Petasites vulgaris, buttei'-bur." Meyrick (in his Handbook Brit.
Lep., p 496) states " Larva probal)ly in roots of Petasites." Naturally, as the
moth is always foimd attached to this plant, it has been siuunised that the larva
must feed on the roots of the butter-biir. To settle the point if possible, I
invited my friend Mr. James W. Corder, of Sunderland, to join me in a visit to
Greatham, where I had previously taken the moth, to search for the larva. We
journeyed to the ground on the morning of March 2.5th (a bitter cold day, with
occasional showers of hail), and after about three hours' hard work succeeded
112 [May,
in finding- about a dozen each of what there can be little doubt is this long
undescribed larva. They were found by digging up the crown of the plant,
when short tunnels two or three inches long were visible, either twisting about
the crown or descending into the fleshy roots ; these tunnels were more or less
filled with fine wet frass, and mixed with this, so as to be rather hard to make
oiTt, was a flimsy light-coloured cocoon fitting tightly to the larva, which was
indistinctly visible throvigh it. It seems probable that the eggs are laid in early
Jvily at the base of the leaves, and that the young larvas burrow their way down
into the roots, becoming full fed in the autumn or early winter, hibei-nating in
the cocoon as a larva, as none that we observed appeared to be feeding. I sent
about half the larvae that I got to Dr. Chapman, hoping that he would give a
detailed description ; iinfortunately he is on the Continent, so that this will
have to wait until later ; meanwhile Mr. Corder took a rough description as
follows, thoiigh it must be remembered that owing to the larvae having probably
been spun up for some time, the colours AV'ill not be as bright as when feeding.
•' Length about f inch, broadest in front, segments of body tapering somewhat
towards anal extremity ; head smaller than 2nd segment, pale brown, mouth
parts darker ; body pale whitish beneath and in interstices of segments on back,
otherwise the dorsal surface is of a yellowish-red ; a few fine scattered hairs
visible (but difficult to make out with a pocket lens), plate on second segment
pale yellow ; legs and claspers concolorous with under-side ; spiracles showing
as minute brown dots."
We shall now have to wait until the emergence of the imago for absolute
proof of its identity ; there is no doubt in our minds, however, but that it can
only be this species. — J. Gardner, Laurel Lodge, Hartby, West Hartlepool :
Ajyril 17th, 1911.
On the hibernation of Scotosia dubitata, Linn. — A very interesting note on
a hibernating habit of Scotosia dubitata, by Mr. J. W. Carter, of Bradford, ap-
pears in the current number of the " Naturalist." Mr. Carter records that Mr.
Cuthbert Hastings (well known in West Yorkshire as a cave explorer), has
several times met with this insect in caves, but on January 22nd last, in a cave
in Wharf edale, he found it in exceptionally large niunbers, no fewer than 150
to 200 specimens being observed at rest on the roof and sides of the cave.
About a dozen of them were secured and taken to Mr. Carter, who reports that
about a third of them were males, and the remainder females, the latter es-
pecially being still in excellent condition. The fact of males being among
them confirms Dr. T. A. Chapman's experience that the species pairs in the
spring, as against the statement of the late Edward Newman (Natural History
of British Moths) that the females hibernate and deposit their eggs in the
spring, the males being destroyed by the early frost. Mr. Carter's note is ac-
companied by two illustrations of the insects in situ, from photographs taken
by flashlight by Mr. Hastings.— G. T. Porritt, Huddersfield : April 6th, 1911.
Ehaphidia cognata, Ramb.,in West Suffolk — In recording the capture of a
Rhaphidia cognata in Foxley Wood, Norfolk, by Mr. H. J. Thouless, the late
Mr. McLachlan (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxxvi, 1900, p. 263) mentioned that although
1911] 113
the species figured in tlie Stephensian and other contemporary collections, down
to that time he had not seen a native specimen which was not sixty years old
or more. Recently I determined a specimen, withoiit exact data, also " from
old collections," sent to me by Mr. Hugh Scott, of the Univei'sity Museum of
Zoology, Cambridge. It accordingly gave me pleasure to find amongst
a niimber of miscellaneous Neuroptera sent by Lt.-Col. C. G. Nurse, a fine
pair of this desirable species taken by him at West Stow ( $ , 7.vi.09) and
Ampton ( ^ , 5.vi.09), both in West Suffolk. Not the least satisfactory feature
is to be found in the fact that the two specimens are from quite distinct locali-
ties, about three miles apart. East Anglia is apparently favoured by R. cognata ;
but one cannot help thinking that it mvist be passed over sometimes in other
districts for the more freqvient R. xanthostigma. — Kenneth J. Morton, 13,
Blackford Eoad, Edinburgh: March I8th, 1911.
A further note on Xenopsylla cheopis, Rothsch. — Since tlie piiblication of my
last note on the occurrence of the Indian Plague Flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, in
London {ante p. 68), I have received a communication from Dr. S. E. Boycott of
Guy's Hospital, which he has most kindly allowed me to pviblish. The results
of Dr. Boycott's investigations can be best gauged by the statements hereto
appended, which he has kindly sent me, showing the fleas that he has cav^ght
on rats {Mus norvegicus) in Gixy's Hospital. Dr. Boycott adds that the last five
rats he captured all belong in his opinion to one family which lives under his
laboratory, and it may be significant that there are steam pipes there which
keep it quite warm. In Guy's Hospital therefore, if nowhere else in the British
Islands, there is a flourishing colony of Xenopsylla cheopis.
Febriiary 1st, 1911 1 big rat No fleas.
Febrviary 3rd, 1911 6 yovxng rats ...18 Ceratophyllus fasciatus.
t 1 Xenopsylla cheopis.
February 6th, 1911 1 young rat ... 9 Ceratophyllus fasciatus.
t 1 Xenopsylla cheopis.
February 14th, 1911 1 big rat 2 Ceratophyllus fasciatus.
March 10th, 1911 1 big rat No fleas.
March 17th, 1911 1 yoving rat ...SO Xenopsylla cheopis.
March 21st, 1911 2 young rats ...75 Xenopsylla cheopis.
March 22nd, 1911 1 young rat ... Z Ceratophyllus fasciatus.
49 Xenopsylla cheopis.
t These two examples have been recorded already (a>iie, p. 68), where the
date on which the second example was secured was given erroneously as the
7th of February. — N. C. Rothschild, Arundel House, Kensington Palace Gar-
dens, W. : March 24th, 1911
114 CMay.
(ibiluartj^s.
p. C. T. Snellen, Hon. F.E.S. — We ivgret to announce the decease at
Rotterdam, of the Senior Member of the small but distinguished band of
Honorary Fellows of the Entomological Society of London, P. C T. Snellen
having received that distinction as long ago as 1885. His name is best known
to Entomologists through his masterly treatise on the Lepidoptera of the Low
Coiintries (De Vlinders van Nederland) of which the first volume, treating of
the Macro-Lepidoptera, was published at The Hague in 1867, while the second
volume, on the Mlcro-Lepidoptera, appeared at Leyden in 1882. More recently
lie has collaborated with M. C. Piepers on a very important work on the Rhopa-
locera of Java. His death leaves a gap, not easily to be filled, in the ranks of
philosophical Entomologists.
Canon C. T. Cruttwell, Rector of Ewelme, Oxon, and Canon Residentiary
of Peterborough Cathedi'al, died on Tuesday, April 4th, at Ewelme, aged 63.
He was formerly a Fellow and Tutor of Merton College, Oxford ; in 1878 he
was appointed Head Master of Bradfield, and in 1880 Head Master of Malvern.
While at Malvern he married the daughter of Sir Robert Mowbray, Bart., the
Father of the House of Commons. In 1891 he accepted the College Living of
Kibworth-Beauchamp, Leicestershire, in succession to Dr. Knox, now Bishop
of Manchester. Here he was made Rural Dean, Honorary Canon of Peter-
borough, and Proctor in Convocation. In 1901 the Marquis of Salisbury
n ominated him to the Crown Living of Ewelme, and in 1903 he was given a
residentiary Canoniy at Peterborough, which, being of small annual value, he
was able to hold with his benefice. Two years ago he was invited to join the
party of Bishops, Clergy and others who visited Germany in the cause of inter-
national peace. He was one of oiu' foremost classical scholars, and published
several valuable clerical and historical works. Entomology was his favourite
hobby, and he collected both Macro- and Micro-Lepidoptera and Coleoptera ; in
the latter groujD he was fortunate enough to find a sijecimen of the very rare
Amara alpina on the top of one of the Scotch mountains two or three years
ago. He was an extremely keen collector, although he had not tlie time to set
and arrange his specimens as he would have wislied. His friend and colleagiie
at Merton College, the late Bishop Creighton of London, looked with disfavour
on his Natural History pursuit (fearing, apparently, that they might draw him
off from his other studies), and tried to dissuade him from going on with them,
but, as he said, in relating the incident to the writer of this notice, the love of
Natural History was bred in him, and he told the Bishop that he could not
give it up.
Canon Cruttwell never put himself forward in any way, but he had a large
circle of friends, by whom he was much beloved, and he will be very much
missed by all who knew him intimately ; liad he been at liberty to apjjly him-
self more fully to the want of his hobby, he would undoubtedly have been one
of our foremost Entomologists.- — W. W. F.
1911.] 135
^oci(fti(js.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society. — Meeting' lield
February 20th, 1911, at the Koyal Institvitioii, Colqviit Street, Liverpool.
Mr. Geo. Arnold, M.Sc , F.E.S., Vice-President in the Chair.
The Vice-President delivered a lecture, " Ants," in which he dealt chiefly
with the recent discoveries connected with the habits of the subterranean
fvmgus-eating species and the curious procedvire of the females when founding
a new colony. The ants which infest trees, constinicting their nests in hollow
parts of the brandies, were also specially dealt with, and the economic effect
of their presence described. The lectiu'e was illustrated by a large number of
specimens and also by means of drawings on the blackboard. — H. E. Sw^eeting
and Wm. Mansbridge, Hon. Secretaries.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, February 23rd, 1911.— Mr. W J Kaye, F.E.S., President, in the
Chair.
Mr. J. H. Leslie, F.E.S., of Tooting, was elected a Member.
Mr. Turner exhibited three Noctuids sent to him by Mr. Murray, of St.
Anne's-on-Sea ; two of the specimens were very dark melanic forms of Agrotids
superficially very similar, but which, on close examination, he considered to
belong to two sijecies, Agrotis tritici of the v. nigra form, and A. 7iigrica7is of
the V. fumosa. Fab. (nee Godt.). The third specimen was a worn Lwperina,
possibly referable to L. cespitis, the small, grey, rough-surfaced form sometimes
met with on the coasts of Lancashire and Svissex. Mr. Moore, the very beautiful
leaf-moth of India, Gloriana (Phyllodes) ornata. Mr. Newanan (1), sticks, both
living and dead, of sallow containing larvis of Trochilium bembeciforme, and
also some containing the similarly feeding larvae of the musk-beetle Aromia
moschata ; (2), a living specimen of Sesia culiciformis, bred after sixteen days
forcing ; and (3), full-fed larvas of A^rtia caia and Callimorpha dominula, which
had been forced on, and stated that some of the former had made no response
to the treatment. Mr. Kaye, a varied series of Spilosoma lubricipeda and its
var. zatima, and asked if it had been obtained by any one recently. Mr. Adkin,
melanic examples of A. nigricans to compare with Mr. Murray's specimens.
Mr. Tonge sliowed a series of lantern slides, each illustrating the complete life-
history of a British butterfly. Mr. Edwards, a set of slides illustrating the
anatomy of a Lepidopteron. Mr. Main, slides sent by Mr. Hancock, of
Birmingham, illustrating the structure, habits, and snares of spiders.
Thursday, March 9th, 1911.— The President in the Chair.
Mr. A. E. Gibbs exhibited a collection of Lepidoptera from the Cuna Cuna
Pass, Blue Mountains, Jamaica, including the rare Papilio homerus, and fine
local forms of Aganisthos odius, Gymecia dives, Hymenitis diaphanus, Calisto
zangis, Adelpha abyla, &c. Mr. Newman, a new kind of larva-cage, introduced
1 16 [May.
I^y him after many months' cxpei'ience. These were of waxed card1)oard, and he
stated that the food-phint kept well in them. Mr. Adkin, a form of Nola albu-
lalis, in which the dark brown band was rediiced to a dark narrow stripe only,
giving a much more delicate appearance to the insect. Mr. W. J. Kaye, several
Syntomid species of the genus Pseudosphex, and the wasp models which they so
closely mimicked, in build, shape of antennae, legs, colour, &c. Mr. Sheldon,
the two specimens of a Noctuid, about whicli much discussion as to their
identity arose many years ago, and which were named Agrotis helvetina. They
are now regarded as pale putty-coloui-ed examples of Graphiphora augur. Mr.
Blenkarn, a pale xanthic foi-m of Epinephele tithonus, from the Isle of Wight,
and a fine dark clouded example of Camptogramma bilineata from the same
locality. — Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, March 1st, 1911. —
Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker in the Chair.
Messrs. Lionel Armstrong, Government Entomologist to the Gold Coast,
Gold Coast, West Africa ; J. Piatt Barrett, 30, Endwell Eoad, New Cross, S.E. ;
Rev. Henry William Brutzer, B.A., Great Bowden Vicarage, Market Har-
boi'ough ; Messrs. P. P. Gi-aves, Club de Constantinople, Constantinople ; Thien
Cheng Kimg, Gviardian Superintendent of Chinese Students in British India,
cjo The Curator, Mysore Government Museum, Bangalore, India; Eev. A. Miles
Moss, Helm, Windermere ; and Dr. Cuthbert F. Selous, M.D., M.E.C.S., L.E.C.P.,
Agra, Barton-on-Sea, New Milton, Hants, were elected Fellows of the Society.
Dr. Nicholson showed six specimens of Cholera fuliginosa, Er., an addition
to the list of British beetles, from Alphington, Devon. This species closely
resembles C. nigrita, Er., with which it is mixed in several collections, and it is
probably widely distribiited in tliis coimtry Mr. Dollman lias taken it at
Harrow, Mr. Donisthorpe at Hartlepool, Mr. Taylor in the Isle of Wight, and
it is also in the F. Bates Collection. Mr. L. W. Newman exhibited some sticks
(the off-shoots of birch stumps) containing larvae of Sesia culiciformis ; also
sticks of Salix capraea containing larvae of S. bemheciformis, one of these
showing the cap formed over the hole prepared for emergence. This species is
not usually supposed to form a cap. The larvae were not, as is generally
thought, confined to living wood, some of those exhibited being in dead twigs '
Also a living specimen of S. culiciformis, a species which the exhibitor remarked
was easily forced. Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, a specimen of Erebia ceto which
had been swept from the herbage without its head, which was probably held
fast by a spider ; nine hoiu's after capture this insect had still been capable of
fluttering strongly. He also exhibited a specimen of Erebia ligea v. adyte, with
a half-developed right hing-wing ; a specimen of E. eriphyle with no left hind-
wing, and a Melitaea varia with no right hind-wing ; in the two latter there
was no trace of the wing having ever been developed Mr. A. Bacot communi-
cated a note confirming the Hon. N. C. Rothschild's distinction between Cteno-
cephalus canis find C. felis, both of >vhich he had bred from the egg. He gave
measurements showing the difference in size and shape between the ova of the
J
1911.] 117
two species, conipai-iug them also with those of C fasciatus and Pulcx irritans.
He also read a paper entitled, " On the Persistence of Bacilli in the Gut of an
Insect during Metamorphosis," commenting on which Dr. Chapman observed
that in moulting- (refei'ring- chiefly to Lepidoptera) provision for increase of
size is not the only C'bject in view, but also the removal of various possible
microbic enemies. In " laying iip " for a moult, a larva almost invariably first
empties the alimentary canal ; at the actual moult, not only the skin, but the
lining membranes of the trachete and of much of the alimentary canal are cast
also The threads drawn from the mouth and anus, consisting of the linings
of the primae viae, often seem long enough to represent the whole tube ; if this
be so, then bacillary inhabitants would be got rid of, and in any case must be
so to a great extent. It would be interesting to know what is the precise
hiatus between the oral and anal portions, and what provision there is for
establishing an aseptic condition of this portion of the tube. Messrs. Ernest A.
Elliott and Claude Morley communicated " A first sxipplementary paper on the
Hymenopterous Parasites of Coleoptera." The Secretary read to the Society a
letter of condolence received by Dr. Chapman from M. Chai'les Oberthiir, one
of the Honorary Fellows, containing an appreciation of the late Mr. J. W. Tutt.
Wednesday, March loth, 1911. — Rev. George Wheeler, Secretary, in the
Chair.
Special Meeting.
The letter summoning the Special Meeting was read by the Chairman,
and, no other candidate having been proposed, the Rev. F. D. Morice, M.A.,
was declared to have been elected President for the currrent year.
The Ordinary Meeting followed immediately. The Rev. F. D. Morice,
President, in the Chair.
The President, on taking the Chair, addressed a few words to the Society,
thanking them for their choice of him for the post, and expressing regret for
the circumstances which had made an election necessary.
Messrs. George Moffatt Carson, Entomologist to the Government of Nevv'
Guinea, Port Moresby, New Guinea ; Alfred George Scorer, Hill Crest, Chil-
worth, Guildford ; Percy William Affleck Scott, Chinese Imperial Customs
Service, Hangchow, China ; Noel Stanton Sennett, 32, Bolton Gardens, Sovith
Kensington, S.W. ; James A. Simes, 2, The Byre, Whitehall Road, Woodford,
Essex ; P. H. Tautz, Cranleigh, Newer Hill, Pinner, Middlesex ; R, G. Todd,
The Limes, Hadley Green, N. ; R. Vitalis, Commis de l>"c classe, Tresor, Pnoni-
Peng, Cambodia, French Indo-China ; and Rev. W. G. Wittingham, Knighton
Rectory, Leicester, were elected Fellows of the Society.
The President announced that he had appointed Dr. F. A. Dixey, M.A.,
M.D., F.R.S., and Messrs. G. T. Betlume- Baker, F.L.S., F.Z.S., and H. St. J.
Donisthorpe, F.Z.S., to act as Vice-Presidents for the cuiTent year.
Mr. H. Donisthoi"pe exhibited a nest of Lasius umbratus, Nyl., wliieli had
accepted a ? L. Juliginosus. On December 13th a deitlatcd ^ L. fuliginosKs
was put into a small plaster nest with a dozen of the umbratus $ $ ; she was
K
118 [^I'^y-
slightly attacked, but not in any way injnred, and tried to conciliate the $ $
by stroking them with her antennae ; she protected lier waist by crossing the
back legs over it, and her neck by pressing the head back against the thorax.
By December 21st she was accepted by the whole nest, and has been treated as
their queen ever since. Only one or two ^ ^ occasionally threatened her with
their jaws, though the first fuliginosus $ placed in the nest was killed. The
$ $ killed most of their own virgin 9 ? • Mr. W. C. Crawley also exhibited a
case containing a colony of Lasius umbratus with a L. fuliginosus 9 as queen,
and a colony of L. niger with a L. umbratus queen. He mentioned that
deiilated ? ? do not always behave as if fertilized, the ? in this nest being
restless, as the winged ? ? are before the marriage flight. Dr. Chapman
began a discussion as to whether this form of " parasitism " was in the long
run profitable to the parasitised species, by weeding out the weaker nests ; the
President, Mr. Verrall, and Mr. G. A. K. Marshall also joined in the discussion.
Mr. F. Merrifield exhibited 134 specimens of Selenia bilunaria, and read a short
paper on the question whether temperatiu-e in the pupal stage may affect the size
of the imago in form in the Heterocera. His experiments showed that in every
case the imagines from the cooled pupa3 are, on the average, larger than those
from the forced, the difference ranging in the males from 1'3 to 20"8 per cent,
(averaging 13'6 or 13'9), in the females from 0'7 to 9'5 per cent, (avering 3'3 or
3'6). It seemed to him that the difference was too great and too diffused,
embracing, as it does, each sex in five separate families, to be explained in any
other way than this : that it is caused by something that, in consequence of
the difference in temperature, happened to either those forced or those cooled,
or both of them, in the pupal stage. Mr. H. Main, a stereoscopic photograph
of the cocoon of Chrysopa jlava, opened to show the hybernating larva, and of
the larva taken out of the cocoon to show how it lies coiled up with its tail over
its head. Mr. O. E. Janson, larvas and cases of a Psychid from Amboyna, the
cases being beautifully constructed and closely covered on the exterior with
small spines, intermixed with larger spines or thorns. The largest of the cases
measured 9 ins. in length. Dr. Chapman read a paper on " The Britisli and a
few Continental Species of the Genus Scoparia," and showed photographs of
the 'Tenitalia and a drawing to illustrate the neuration.
The Secretary announced that the Conversazione was fixed for Wednesday,
May 17th, and that the Linnean Society had kindly placed their Rooms at the
disposal of the Society for that occasion, and were generously lending their
lantern, making no charge for light or for the current for the lantern. He also
announced that Professor Povilton and Mr. Enock had consented to give
lectures on that occasion. As the arrangements with the Linnean Society
preclude the sale of tickets, it will be necessary to ask for a subscription
towards the expenses (for refreshments, printing, postage, &c.) fi-om those who
apply for them, and also strictly to limit the number for which each Fellow
may apply. On the motion of Mr. Rowland-Brown, seconded by the Rev. G_
Wheeler, a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the President and
Cotmcil of the Linnean Society for their kindness and generosity. — George
Wheet.er, Hon. Secretary.
liJu. I 119
THEEE WEEKS IN THE SUDAN.
Febkuaby 1st — 22nd, 1909.
by o. b. longstaff, m.a., m.d., p.r.c.p.
When one looks out of the train in the morning after the stifling
night on the Nubian desert. — somewhere between Berber and the
River Atbara — a change in the appearance of the country is obseiTed.
A thin thorn-scrub, varied by occasional groups of Dom Palms, throws
a slight veil over the nakedness of the desert. Occasionally a few
gazelles create a flutter of excitement among the passengers, and when
the sun gets up the mirage slowly develops, as if the horizon were first
softened and then evaporated by the heat. From time to time stray
butterflies are seen ; these I took to be Cafopsilia forella, F., though
it is just possible that a]nong them may have been Teracolus 2^1'(^-
tomedia, Klug. During a short halt at Wad Ben Naga Station I tried
to solve this problem, but the sense of anxiou.s hurry lest the train
should start, the swift flight of the butterflies, the strong wind, the
blinding glare, and the great heat combined to frustrate my efforts,
and I only succeeded in netting a male of Tarucus tlieophrastus, Fab.,
a " Blue " that I met with from Luxor to my southernmost point at
Gebel Ein — a range of nearly 16° of latitude. On my return journey
I took at Abu Hamed Station (about 130 miles north of the Atbara
Eiver) the Spbegid PJdlanthus variegatus, Spin., which was abundant
at Khartum, but which I did not see in Egypt. Also at Atbara
Junction, 200 miles north of Khartum, I took a male of Bhynchium
nilotlcum, Sauss., a red and black Eumenid wasp that I had met with
at Khartum.
Khartum.
Lat. 15° 35' N. 1200 ft. above sea level.
Khartum is unlike any place that I have seen. Situated on the
southern bank of the Blue Nile, just above its junction with the
White Nile, it is a new city ; it is, moreover, a Eiu-opean city, for the
native population lives almost exclusively in mud villages on the
outskirts. The palace in which Grordon lived and died is its oldest
edifice, though built by Ismail Pasha, on either side of this, stretched
along the river bank, is a long line of Government Ofiices and barracks
interspersed with the comfortable houses of officials set each in its
pleasant garden. Since every one, naturally enough, wished to have
a bit of river frontage the length of the town is considerable, but its
breadth approximates to Euclid's definition of a line, and its cross-
streets starting from the river rvm vaguely into the desert.
K 2
120 [May,
Any description of Khartum would be inadequate if it did not
allude to the prevailing northerly wind, which is not only health giving,
but entomologically speaking most important. Mr. H. L. Butler, the
Curator of the Zoological Gardens, informed me that there is no
continuous rainy season, but that heavy tropical downfalls are freqiient
in June, July, and August.
Khartum is not altogether a pleasant j)lace for collecting in. To
the south is a specially barren* and wind-swept desert ; the northern
bank of the river is abandoned to barracks, railway works and dock-
yard— for Khartum is a naval port with a fleet of gunboats — hence
one's operations were practically confined to the neighbourhood of the
river bank above and below the city. Of the two localities, the best,
though the most distant, was beyond the water-works, near the
terminus of the tramway in the village of Burri. Here, among
Calotrojn.'^ procera, Willd., the wide-ranging Danaida chnjsipjins, L.,
was common, and I was delighted to see alive for the first time the
form alcipj^^ts, Cram. The white hind-wings of these beautiful butter-
flies are conspicuous in flight, and at once reminded me of the yet more
beautiful Aci-ssa alboradiata, Auriv., which I had seen in such numbers
at the Victoria Falls four years before. From Cairo to Aswan I had
come across a fair number of clirysipims, but all of the typical form.
At Abu Simbel, in Nubia, I was surprised, not to meet with it, since
the Calotropis was there in plenty ; it woidd be interesting to know
what fonn occurs there.
The twenty-eight specimens brought home from Khartum may be
classified as follows : —
Typical clirysi'pims, L., 3 ^ .
chrysipptis, L., but with the veins of the hind- wing dusted
with white, 6 (J , 2 ? .
f . alcippoides, Moore, 4 i^ , 2 $ .
f . alcippus, Cram., 5^,2 $ .
f . dorippus, Klug, var. albinns, Lanzknecht, 1 J' .
Of the total specimens seen, I estimated at the time that at least
three-fourths were either alcippus or alcippoides.
The " musk-rat " odour was evident enough in many examples,
about equally strong in both sexes, but in one ^ the scent was com-
pared to that of tobacco.
The next most conspicuous butterfly was Papilio demodocvs, Esp.,
I believe the only one of the sub-family that occurs there. During
* Actuallj' harreu : pntoiitially it is said to be fertile, a tliiii eoating of sand covering a deep
deposit of silt.
1911.] 121
my stay it was uot at all common, and I took but two (one very large
and fine) and saw one or two others.
The Pierinee were unquestionably the dominant group. The first
of them to attract attention was CatopsUia florella, F., of which I took
5 ^ and 10 $ ; it was quite abundant along the river bank above
Burri. One female was so unusually pale in colour as to resemble
a male. Of the five males taken all had a "sweet" or " luscious "
scent, in some " faint," in others " decided."
Belenois mesentina. Cram., was also abundant, especially on culti-
vated groimd; 10 (5" and 19 ? were taken; some of the specimens
of both sexes were very small. One 9 resembled a J in appearance.
In some of the males I detected a slight scent, once described in my
no^es as " luscious," in others as " musky " ; in two female specimens
a slight musky scent seems to have been suspected. A male had lost
a large piece out of each of the four wings.
In the bean fields near the junction of the Blue and White Niles
Colias marnoana, Rogenli. (a miniature edition of our C. liyale), was
common. In all fifteen were taken, including two white females.
Two examples had symmetrical injiiries affecting all four wings.
A slight scent was noted in some specimens, described as " peculiar,"
" chocolate-like," or " cloA'e-like." The observations were, however,
not very definite, and in one case the scent was noted in a female
specimen.
The prevalence of the genus Teracolns at Khartum was in itseK
sufficient indication that we were within the limits of the Ethiopian
fauna. None of the species were really common during my stay, but
of T. ephyia, Klug, I secured four males and a female, missmg several
others ; two of the males were A^eritable dwarfs. I also took a single
dwarf male of T. daira, Klug. To the west of the town I took the
only T. cJirysonome, Klug, a $ , that fell in my way. Lastly, I caught
near the tennis-groimd a female of T. protomedia, Klug, which seemed
to me to have a faint scent like opium. At Buri'i I secured a specimen
of the very beautiful Callopieris eulimine, Klug.
I did not come across a single Satyrid or Skipper in the Sudan !
There was but one Nymphaline— the ubiquitous Pyrameis cardiii, L.,
which was met with in the largest numbers on an exposed piece of
ground at the very point of jimction of the two rivers, exactly where
one would have expected to see it. A fresh brood made its appearance
on Februai-y 7th ; one of these, a male, had an unusual vmder-side,
very grey in tone, with Init little dark shading, and without any black
122 [May,
in the ocelli. Even sliglit variations are rare in this remarkably
constant species.
" Blues " were fairly numerous though of few species; Polyommatus
hpeticus, L., and Tarn ens tlieophrastus, F., were both abundant, the
first especially in bean fields, the second about Acacia bushes, or at
flowers of Mrva. I fancied that a male of the first named butterfly
had a slight scent lilve meadow-sweet, while one of the latter had a
moderately strong, sweet, luscious odour. Of Azanus vhaldus, Cram.,
I took half-a-dozen, having previously come across a female in Nubia
at Aniada (Lat. 20° 45' N.). Of the little Chilades trochilus, Frey (a
species also met with at Aswan), I took one only.
Zizera h/simo7i, Hiib., was commonest on weeds in fields from
which a crop had been removed, especially frequenting Mrva and
Arnehia. On the other hand Catoehryso2)s eleusis, Dem., was common
about small, low-growing, white-prickled Acacia bushes on the edge
of the desert. The Khartum males were markedly bluer, less violet,
than tlie Aswan specimens, which latter were chiefly taken about
a pink-flowered Lotus.
Moths were not very numerous, but many of those taken
were interesting.
The almost cosmopolitan UtetJieisa pidcliella, L., was fairly
common on both sides of the town. The little Pyrale, Noctuelia
floralis, Hiibn. (which is like an " improved " Herhula cesintalis,
Schiff.), occurred at the flowers of Arnehia sp., and the handsome
Deilephila livornica, Esp., was taken at about 11 a.m. one hot sunny
morning hovering at the flowers of Echium sp., both Hawkmoth and
flower being in this case quite Palsearctic. All my other moths were
victims of the seductive attractions of the electric lights. On some
evenings, when the north wind was not too strong, these were much
frequented, and while boxing moths on such occasions crowds of small
flies entangled themselves in my scanty hair in a most irritating way.
Amongst the moths D. livornica, Esp., turned up again, with it was a
singidar pale rjrey Syntomid, Apisa canescens, Walk. ; also several
Geometrids, including Craspedia consentanea. Walk, [which I also
took at Dakkeh, 23° 15' N., and even as far north as Luxor, 25° 50' N.] ;
a very worn Tephrina, probably disputaria, Grn., var. ; four specimens
of Peridela sudanata, Warr. and Eoth. ; * also an " Emerald " which
Mr. L. B. Prout says is a new Chlorochroma, as so often happens a
" Nov. Zou!. vol. xii, 11)05, p. 28, fig. 2i:,
1911] -123
imi(|ue example. There was in addition a male specimen of a
Lymantriad wliicli Sir G-eorge Hampson lias described* as Porthesia
erythmsticta, sp. n., and which he says resembles JEuproctis rvfopunc-
tata, Walk. The Nocture were more remarkable than numerous ;
several specimens of Caradrina (Lajjhygma) erigna, Hiibn., the larva
of which feeding on cotton, berseem (a kind of clover), and Hibiscus,
is quite a plague to the farmers of modern Egypt ; a female of Euxoa
spinifera, Hiibn., another common Egyptian moth ; four specimens of
Sesamia [Nonagrial cretica, Led. ; one of S. ajninctifera, Hmpsn., the
latter very distinctly marked, more so than any in the National Collec-
tion. Another cotton pest of Egypt, Prodeuia litura, F. (Jittoralis,
Bsd.) was represented by a single example. One of the most un-
expected visitors was GojjicumUia suhlutea, G-raes. ; the type of this
species came from Eastern Turkestan, and the British Museum
possesses but a single example, and that from the desert of Gobi in
Northern China, no less than 30° N. and 70° E. of Khartum! Sir
George Hampson thinks that desert insects probably have an unusually
large range, since desert conditions are similar over very large areas.
Of Sjjodoptera mauritia, Bsd., two specimens turned up ; of the
common and very active Quadrifid AcantlioUpes affinis, Butl., only one.
Of a Catocaline which is probably a new species of HyjjogUiucitis, I
took two, and Mrs. Longstaff another; a fourth specimen came to the
lights of the steamer at Kasr Ibrim, in Nubia (Lat. 22'35° N.) on
January 29th. As might have been expected there were plenty of
Pyrales among the frequenters of the lamps : two Galleriacls, one the
dingy Lamoria imhella, Walk., four specimens ; this is a widely dis-
tributed African species, ranging from Natal to the Nyanza ; the other
Arenipses sabella, Hmpsn., a species found in Arabia and on the
Persian Gulf, of which I also got four. Other Pyrales were the almost
cosmopolitan Hellula hydralis, Gn., one ; Noctuelia floralis, Hiibn.,
two ; Polyocha anerastiodes, Warr. and Eotli., one ; the ubiquitous
Nomophila noctuelia, Scliiff., three ; Noorda blitealis, Walk., in abun-
dance, a species that ranges from Ceylon over India to Aden ; Eromene
ocellea. Haw., two, small and pale when compared with the large
numbers seen in Egypt ; and Etiella, n. sp., still in Sir George
Hampson's hands. Also a Tortrix which Lord Walsingham says is
the cosmopolitan Bactra lanceolatM, Hiibn.
For the determinations of the Hymenoptera met with I am
Ann.al.s and Magazine of Nat. Hi.st., sor. 8, vol. v, May, 1910, p. 435.
124 [May, 1911
greatly indebted to my old friend the Kev. F. D. Morice, who spent
much time over them.
Ants did not make themselves very obvious. On the battlefield
of Kerreri, during an extremely hurried visit, I managed to secure a
worker of Camjjonotus sericens, F. In the hotel at Khartum my first
capture was a worker of C. syhaticus, Oliv., var. maculatus, F. In the
Zoological Gardens close by I took on the trunk of a Parkinsonia
three worker ants of which Mr. Morice writes : " This Camponotus is
unknown to me, unless it be a form of pubescent, F. ; the pilosity is
very curious." I did not meet with either of these three ants in
Egypt. In the western suburbs, toward Mogran, I found a worker of
Myrtnecocystus viaticufi, Fab., running rapidly over the ground ; in the
same neighbourhood, under a stone, I found an ant of which Mr.
Morice writes : " Genus ? Species ? Seems to belong to the Poneridce,
but I know nothing like it. With the general appearance of a
Formicid, it has a long and powerful sting ! "
Prenolejns longicornis, Latr., hunted on the luncheon table ; while
Aphxnocjaster harhara, L., was common in the garden ; a male of the
red and black Mutillid Apterogyna savignyi, Klug, was also taken in
the hotel,
Of the difficult genus Myzine I met with three species on the Mogran
hunting ground. The commonest appears to be fascicnlata, which the
late Mr. Ed. Saunders described from Biskra, of this I took seven
specimens, all males ; of rousselii, Guer. (also a Biskra insect), I took
four males ; lastly, there were two males which Mr. Morice thinks may
be either eegyptiaca, Guer., or giierini, Lucas (^ latifasciata, Palm.) ;
perhaps it is the insect represented in fig. 27 of Savigny's Plate xv.
On the river bank to the east of the town, beyond the water
'works, I took a male of Scolia erytlirocepliala, Fab., a handsome
insect, black with yellow-ringed abdomen, and purple-tipped wings,
with base and costa ferruginous. On the other side of the town I
took a female Scolia very similar, but with no ferruginous markings
on the wings, which Mr. Morice thinks may be a variety, but possibly
a new species. In the same locality as the last I got a small female
Scolia, a greyish insect with a yellow abdomen, which Mr. Morice says
is quite unlike any species known to him. Of Elis senilis, Fab., I
brought home five males, varying greatly in size, some were taken on
Tacoma stans, others on Calotropis near the rifle ranges.
The Sphegidse were numeroc^ily represented. The only Ammophila
that I met with at Khartum as a solitary female of gracillima,
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CONTENTS. PAGE
A week's collecting at Berisal {concluded). — Q. T. Bethune-Baker, F.L.S 101
Help-Notes towards the determination of British Tenthredinidse, &c. (28). —
Rev. F. I). Morice, M.A., F.E.S 103
Two new species of the genus Chilosia. — Colbran J. Waimoright, F.E.S 107
A note on Liodes (Anisotoraa, Schmidt) similata, Eye. — Norman H. Joy,
M.R.C.S., F.E.S 110
Epipeda nigricans : a correction. — Id Ill
Oxytelus saulcyi, Pand., near Portsmouth. — M. Camei-on, M.B., R.N., F.E.S... Ill
Symbiotes latus, Redt., and Plegaderus dissectus, Er., near Oxford. — J. J.
Walker, 31. A., R.N., F.L.S Ill
Note on the larva of Halonota turbidana, Tr.— J". Gardner, F.E.S Ill
On the hibernation of Scoto&ia dubitata, Linn. — Geo. T. Porritt, F.E.S 112
Rhaphidia cognata, Ramb., in West Suffolk. — Kenneth J. Morton, F.E.S 112
A further note on Xenopsjlla cheopis, Rolhsch. — Hon. N. Charles Rothschild,
M.A., F.L.S 113
Obituaey.— P. C. T. Snellen, Hon. F.E.S 114
Rev. Canon C. T. Cruttwell, M.A., F.E.S 114
Societies. — Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society 115
South London Entomological Society 115
Entomological Society of London 116
Three weeks in the Sudan.— G. B. Longstaff, M.A., M.D., F.R.C.P 119
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/" ,
Ent. Mo. Mai:., 1911. Plalc II.
N... 1 S .
Xo. 1 9 .
P>. PKi.i.reiDrs, li'ih.
Xo. 2 c^ .
X...2 ?
Xo. 2 ?
r>. WVIACXTVS, n. Sp.
Tlie two females are depicted to show the variability in the rounding of the shoulders
of elytra. Both species are more or less inconstant in this respect.
Xo. 1. Xo. 2.
11
Xo. 1. Xo. 2.
J J
Legs of males. I-egs of females.
l',.\RVI'rmi:S PELLUCIDUS, I'.(,1i., ami B. D15PI.ICATUS, n. sp.
Kfys, Typ., Plymouth. I'aiis & Cramptun.
June, IPll.] 125
Tasch. Of the handsome black, yellow-legged, loiig-waisted Sceli-
2)hr(i)i gpirifc.r, L., I took two examples, one at Khartum, the other in
the train at Mvit Mir Station on the Sudan Kailway ; it also occurred
at Luxor ; my specimens are all females. PhUanthus coarctatus, Spin.,
and variegatiis, Spin., were both abundant towards Mogran, males greatly
predominating. Other abundant small Sphegids were Cerceris albi-
cincta, Klug, 28 (J, 2 $, and C. suhimpressa, Schlett., 24 (^, 2 ? ;
C. annexa, Kohl, was not so common, only 4 ^ and 1 $ being
taken. The great majority of these small Sphegids (as well as of
Chrysids and Flies), were obtained by sweeping the white fluffy
Amarantaceous plant jErva ?javariica, Juss., but a few were obtained
from the Boragineous Aniebia sp. The large bees and wasps on the
other hand frequented Tacoma stans, Acacia and Parkinsonia, though
a few occurred at Calotropis.
Of Bembex lusca, Spin., I secured one of each sex, of B. medi-
terranea, Handl., three males, one was taken on jErva, one near Burri,
where so far as I know that plant did not grow. Of the fine large
Sphex umhrosus, Chrst, a black-bodied insect with clear wings, save at
the base, a specimen ( (J ) was taken to the west of the town. In the
same locality, on a small umbellate w^eed, I took a male TacJiytes, a
striking insect with a testaceous abdomen and dark borders to the wings.
Mr. Morice thinks this may be the male of superbiens, Morice, the de-
scription of which will shortly appear in the Transactions of the
Entomological Society ; he compares it with monetaria, Smith, from
India.
The difficult genus Pompilns was represented by ten males of a
species of the Apiyrus group.
No social wasps were met with ; on the other hand the genus
Eumenes was much to the fore, by far the commonest species lieiug the
Egyptian blue-black E. tinctor, Chrst, of which I took ten males and
four females ; of E. dimidiatipennis, Sauss., and E. hpeUetieri, Sauss.,
I took one male each ; of E. esuriens, L., a truly hungry-looking, long-
waisted, yellow, brown and black beast, I took one of each sex. Of
the large black purple- winged Bhynchmm ? sytiagrioides, Sauss., with
its orange-tipped tail, I took two of each sex ; it f reqiiented the flowers
of Tacoma. Of B. cyanopterum, Sauss., I found a solitary male at
Acacia flowers. Of B. niloticum, Sauss., I took two males at Khartum,
another at Atbara junction 200 miles to the northward. A female
Odynerus {Lionotus) belonging to \.\\Q parvidus group may possibly
prove to be a new species.
The handsome and conspicuous Carpenter-bees were as common
L
12G [June,
in the Sudan as in Egypt, but in addition to the striking'ly dimorphic
Xylocopa cestuans, Linn., with its very different males and females, five
males of Xylocopa taschenbergi, Vachal, turned up at Khartum.
Of the leaf -cutters several species were met with. Two Megachih
flavipes, Spin., were taken in the western suburbs, also at CaJ()tr(ypu,
near the rifle ranges ; this is a small species which I afterwards found
quite commonly in Egypt ; but ill. albncinda, Rad., also an Egyptian
species, was the commoner at Khartixm, frequenting the flowers of
Calotropis and Taconia, it is not, however, by any means easy to catch,
still I secured thi-ee males and five females ; of M. argentata, Fab.,
I took two males and a female, it also frequented Tacoma ; at Calotro-
pis and other flowers I took three specimens of M. ? pateUhnana, Spin.
? n. sp.
There were but two species of Anthidium among my captures, viz.,
tesseUatutn, Klug, of wliicli I took two females ; and ? karschi, Friese,
of which I took a male, at least a bee which Mr. Morice says is probably
the undescribed male of that species. I also got several specimens of
both sexes of an Aidhophora which Mr. Morice says is near bimacidata,
Panz., and possibly = byssina, Klug, b\it that there perhaps may be
more than one species among them. Three males of Ceratvna< tarsata,
Morawitz, turned up at Khartum.
At Abu Hamed (Lat. 19° 30' N.), 331 m. north of Khartum, I
took in the station-masier's garden two females of Nomia latipes,
Morawitz. At Khartum I secured a male of N. edentato, Mora'watz,
and four females of the tiny yellow and black Nomioides rottmdiceps,
Handl.
Among those gem-like creatures, the Chrysididie, I was successfid
in getting some interesting insects, although I did not find them
numerous. The brilliant, but widely distributed Stilbum splendidwm,
F., was the commonest, and I brought home twelve, some of them of
the var. amethystiimm, F. In the garden of the Cataract Hotel at
Arwan (Upper Egyj^t), on January 26th, 1909, at about 5.30 in the
afternoon. Miss Stracey called my attention to a number of Stdbiim
splendidum upon a ParJcinsonia (an Australian tree with yellow flowers) ;
they formed two clusters, one on a branch, the other on pods, con-
sisting of 14 and 34 individuals respectively ; they were sitting close
together, quite still, and appeared to be stupid. Mr. Morice was much
interested in my accoinit of this observation, which he is not able to
account for, and cannot exactly match by any other recorded case
among the Hyntenopfera. I mentioned the matter to Mr. F. C. Will-
cocks, F.E.S., of Cairo, but he said that he had never noticed anything
19111 127
of the kiud. Mr. Morice informs me that Sf lib uiu infests the larvae of
the larger species of Enmenes (especially dimidiatqyennis) exactly as
Ichneumons do those of Lepidojptera.
CJirysis nasnta, Mocsary, is so similar to StilJ)mn in size and
general appearance that I doubtless confused the two, and brought
home but one male and three females ; this is unfortunate, since it
appears that Mocsary in 1902 described the male only, from Salisbury,
Rhodesia ; he has seen my specimens and believes them to be the two
sexes of nasuta. ChrysispaUidicornis, Spin., was the commonest of the
genus, and I secured seven specimens. It is variable in the colour of
its tail, which may be red, reddish, or green (var. Moris, Mocs.).
Of C. fascioeata, Klug, I took two ; of the rainbow-coloured E. auri-
fascia, Brulle, one ; the last named is, I am informed, a rarity, but it
extends as far as the Cape. Of the common Egyptian Hedychridm^n
aheneuvi, Dhlb., I took but one. The genus Parnopes was represented
by a male and two females of what both Mr. Morice and M. du
Buysson are agreed is a new species. Nearly all these Chrysids, but
not the Stilhum, were obtained by sweeping jErva ?javanica, Juss.
Insects of other Orders were few in number, thus but a single
species of bug was met with, Lygeeus militaris, F., taken among
Calotropis ; it appears a very bright red on the wing. Mr. Distant
tells me that it is a common species.
A servant at the hotel brought me a large Mantid in spirit,
Hierodida hioculata, Burm., she said that it had come to light at the
beginning of February. Of the common North African locust, Acry-
dium xgyptiamnn, L., I took one. A specimen of Phaneroptera
minima, Br., came to light. A number of large earwigs, Labi dura
riparia, Pall., were foimd under a stone near the junction of the two
rivers at Mogran ; I had met with the same species near the Oreat
Pyramid.
It is to be feared that little attention was paid to flies, and those
that I brought home were not remarkable. Of Agria {Sarcophaga)
ntiba, Wied., a species also met with in Egypt, I took a pair. Among
Calotropis, on the desert near the rifle ranges, I took two males and a
female of Dactis longistyhis, Wied., a wasp-like fly which Becker, in
his work on Egyptian Diptera, attaches to the same plant. The bril-
liantly coloured blue-bottle, Pycnnsoma marginale, Wied., was also
common on Calotropis, but I suspect that a dead camel close by was
even more attractive to it. A solitary Anthrax has not yet been pro-
vided with a name. Two specimens of Rhinia (Idia) xnea. Walk.,
complete a somewhat commonplace list.
(To he continued).
L 2
128 [June,
BARYPITHES BUPLICATUS, n. sp.,
AND NOTES ON OTHER BRITISH MEMBERS OF THE GENUS.
BY J. H. KEYS, F.E.S.
Plate II.
Whilst examining- my series of BarypUlies jjellucidus, Boh., a
short time ago, I noticed that it comprised two distinct forms. Being
unable to ascribe either of them to any other species, I referred the
matter to my friend, Mr. E. A. ISTewbery, who concurred with the
opinion that the two forms were distinct, but had been confused in
the extant descriptions. He then communicated the facts to Captain
Sainte- Claire Deville, who it appeared was well aware that two forms
of pellucidus were mixed in collections, and who had proposed to deal
with the question when a convenient opportunity arrived. He further
remarked, " From the materials you have sent me it results that the
Baryjiithes peJlucidns doubles itself in England absolutely in the same
way as in Trance. ... I have neither the time nor the desire to
attend to these insects at present, and shall be very glad if Mr. Keys
or yourself will describe the new species."
Mr. Newl)ery referred the matter back to me, and, thus impelled,
I offer the following solution of the problem.
The question which it is necessary first of all to answ^er satis-
factorily if possible is : to which of the insects must the name pellu-
cid^ls be conserved ? For convenience of reference, I propose to speak
of the form which I consider to be the true ;peJh(cidns, Boh., as No. 1,
and of the duplicate form as 'No. 2.
In general aspect the two insects differ from each other very
much. No. 2 is conspicuously the smaller in size, averaging about
3 mm. in length ; it also is a more dunipy looking insect, with legs
distinctly stouter, and on that account seemingly shorter too. It is
reddish-yellow brown in colour, and paler than No. 1. No. 1, on the
contrary, varies in size from about 3 to 4 mm. ; its legs are thinner, and
accordingly look longer. In colour it is generally dark pitchy or
almost black, although lighter individuals (immatiu*e, perhaps) occur,
and are reddish-brown. The males of both forms are easily separable
from each other, as well as from their respective females.
The females are not so readily distinguished, but the elytra of
No. 1 are, as a rule, more truncate at the base, with the humeral angles
consequently more distinct. In the large females of No. 1 the size and
flat interstices of the elytra are also distinctive points. In the females
of No. 2 the average smaller size, paler colour, and more distinct hairs
must also be considered.
1911.) ^29
N'otwitlistandiiiL;- the diytiuct facies of tlie two insects when com-
pared side by side it does not seem to be very easy to discover definite
characters for their identification when apart. On reading Boheman's
description of B. (Omias) ].)elhiridvs (Schonherr's Gen. Cure, ii, p.
507) one is therefore not much surprised to find that the details are
pretty general in character, and seem to apply with nearly equal value
to either insect. There are, so far as I can discern, but two exceptions.
The first of these is the fiat interstices of the elytra (" interstitiis
planis"). In the large (4 mm.) females of No. 1 these spaces are
absolutely flat ; they become rounded in the smaller females, and the
rounding is obvious in the males. But this feature (the flat inter-
stices) cannot be applied to No. 2 at all, at least it cannot in any of
the examples which I have seen. It is therefore a character definitely
indicating No. 1 as Boheman's insect. The other point is the length
of the elytra, which Boheman gives as nearly thrice that of the thorax
("elytra . . . thorace fere ti'iplo longiora"). But so great a
length in Barypithes is surely a mistake of the author ? How-
ever that may be, Boheman's words are evidently intended to convey
the idea of considerably elongated elytra. Such a character is applicable
to No. 1, and not to No. 2. Boheman does not say whether he is de-
scribing male or female.
Seidlitz (Die Otiorhynchiden, p. 68) treats of both sexes of B.
'pelliicidus, Boh. He describes the male with anterior and intermediate
femora considerably thickened ; the thorax as wide as elytra. These
featiu'es distinctly indicate No. 2.
Rye's observations (Ent. Ami., 1869, p. 45) on Dr. Seidlitz's
characters are not valid, as Eye is referring them to the insect figured
in the frontispiece of the Annual. This is undoubtedly our No. 1,
and Seidlitz's insect is our No. 2.
The excellent figure of B. peUncidus, Boh., referred to above,
coincides with No. 1 , and the elytra in that drawing confirm the sug-
gestion that Boheman's " thrice longer " is too much. They are drawn
about 2^ times longer than thorax,^ — their natural proportions.
From the foregoing observations it would appear : — Firstly, that
No. 1 is 'Boheman s jyellucld'us, and that his descri})tion apparently
comprises the male and female indiscriminately ; secondly, that No. 2
is the B. i)ellucidus. Boh., of Seidlitz ; thirdly, that the insects are
abundantly distinct, although both are known by the one designation
of pellucid u>^, Boh. No. 1, having prior claim to this title, I propose,
in view of the facts of the case, to name No. 2 duplicahi-f.
The following table will pcH'haps be useful for separating our
130 rJune,
British expoiieuts of the genus Barypithes as now constituted in the
European Catakogue.
I. — Kostrum with a deep central furrow throughout its entu-e length...
sulcifrons, Boh.
II. — Eostruni without deep central furrow ; at most with a small fovea or
shallow depression.
A. — Integument clothed with distinct outstanding hairs.
a. Anterior and intermediate femora of male strongly, posterior mo-
derately, thickened ; thorax almost globidar ; elytra about
twice the length of thorax ; legs comparatively thick and
short ; coloiu- paler ; average length 3 mm....
duplicatus, n. sp.
aa. Anterior femora of male strongly, intermediate and posterior
moderately, thickened ; thorax as long as broad, with sides
almost semicircular, but converging in front ; elytra more
than twice as long as thorax ; legs comparatively long and
thin ; colour darker; length, 3-4 mm pellucidus, Boh.
B. — Integument without distinct outstanding hairs.
a. Pubescence deciunbent, fine, but distinct ; striae of elytra in both
sexes deep and continued to apex ; thorax more strongly punc-
tiu'ed; rostriun little compressed laterally near middle...
pyrenseus, Seidl.
aa. Pubescence very fine and indistinct (insect appearing almost gla-
brous) ; striae of elytra much less deep, iisually obsolete at
apex, but sometimes feebly mai'ked ; thorax less strongly
punctured ; rostriun compressed laterally near middle...
araneifonnis, Schr.
B. duplicatus was sent to me a.s j^ellucidus by tlie Rev. Theodore
Wood many years ago. He took it in great numbers in July, 1886,
between Broadstairs and Margate, lying about in hollows on the sand
(Ent. Mo. Mag., xxiii, 40). In a recent letter to me Mr. Wood says,
" They were restricted to one small patch of sand, just above high-
water mark, and were over in two or three days. I never found the
species again." In June, 1898, the same species was also sent to me
as jwllucidus, by Commander Walker, E.N., from the Blean Woods,
Kent, where he frequently took it trapped in water in deep cartwheel
tracks, as well as in faggots (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxiv, 208). The Eev.
H. S. Gorham records the capture of Omias peUucidus, at Eastry, near
Sandwich, in 1872, "in great niimbers crawling in the sandy gravel by
the side of the road. The dead bodies of hundreds, and thoracic and
femoral development of the males, testifying to the severity of the
struggle for existence " (Ent. Mo. Mag., ix, p. 118). I have not seen
any of these specimens, but the reference to " the thoracic and femoral
m\.] 131
developiiieut " would sugL>-est that they also may be referable to
B. dttpJicatus. Captain Saiiite- Claire Deville says that iu France this
species is the rarer of the two, and appears to be confined to the
Armorican peninsula and to Limousin. Undoubtedly this species is
the ^ellucidus, Boh., of Seidlitz.
B. pellucid2(s, Mr. ISTewbery informs me, is widely distributed in
Britain. It first occurred to me (a sinofle specimen only) in June,
1900. On discovering in 1909 that it was distinct from my other
exponents of the species, I searched for it in June and July, and
captured about 60 examples. The males were in the proportion of one
to four females. I took it by sweeping in damp ground in woods at
Ivybridge, but failed to detect its food-plant, nor has the insect
occurred to me in any other place in the district. Mr. Newbery has
taken two females of it at Higham's Park. The females seem to vary
in size very much.
B. pyrenseus. Since my original discovery of this species (Ent.
Mo. Mag., xxxiii, 134) it has occurred in numbers all over the Ply-
mouth district. The noteworthy fact about it is, however, that it
seems — (temporarily, at least) as far as my single-handed efforts may
be considered of value on such a subject — to have replaced aranei-
formis, as I have not met with this latter insect at all since about 1898,
and when recently I wanted a few I applied to my friend, Mr. de la
Grarde, to supply them from his abundance of that species at Christow.
Following up the distribution of pyrenxus, by the courtesy of Mr. F.
E. Rowley, I had the loan of the examples of araneiformis in the col-
lection (now located in the Exeter Museum) of the late Mr. J. J.
Reading, of Plymouth. There were some half dozen specimens, and
all were true to name : no pyrenxiis was amongst them. Unf ortimately,
they were not labelled, but as Mr. Reading left Plymouth somewhere
about 1860 it is reasonable to assume that the insects were captured
previoiisly to that date, and I think that so keen an entomologist as
the discoverer of Actocharis would hardly have overlooked pyreneetis
had he ever seen it. Now, one more point. Prior to 1S94 the Rev.
T. A. Marshall resided at Botusfleming, Cornwall, and collected various
Orders of insects. His collection of beetles (or rather the residue
thereof, after many vicissitudes) is now in my possession, and it is
remarkable that in his small series of four beetles standing as aranei-
formis two are pyrement^. They are carded, with " Bfm." written
underneath, but no date. In 1897, Mr. G. C. Champion, F.Z.S., re-
corded pyrenseus from Portscatho, Cornwall (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxxiii,
132 [June,
214). Mr. P. (le la Garde, who has worked the Teigmuouth and Exeter
districts with so much success, has not yet met with it in tliose locali-
ties. I have, however, seen four examples, one male and three females,
of areneiformis, taken by him at Bovey Tracey in dead leaves, which
are somewhat intermediate in form, as the elytral strise of the male
are distinct to apex, but are not as deep as in typical pyremeus, whilst
the head and pubescence are those of araneiformis.
In preparing the foregoing notes, I acknowledge, with best thanks,
the kind assistance of Capt. Deville, Mr. Gr. C. Champion, Commander
J. J. Walker, Mr. E. A. Newbery, and the Rev. Theodore Wood. To
Mr. E. J. Baker I am greatly indebted for help in detaining the photo-
graphs, and last, liut not least, I wish to thank J. J. Mac Andrew,
Esq., for unqualified permission to collect in his private grounds at
Ivy bridge.
Moi'well, Lipson Eoad, Plymovith :
April, 1911.
A NOTE ON QUEDIUS ATTENUATU8, Otll., vak. PICIPENNIS, Hebb.
BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.R.C.S., F.E.S.
Mvich resembles the dark form of Q. fulvicollis, Steph., but less fusiform
in shape and with a narrower head and shorter elytra ; pitchy or pitchy-brown,
elytra lighter, slightly metallic ; antennae, palpi and legs testaceous, posterior
tibiffi pitchy ; head slightly transverse, antennje not thickened towards apex,
penultimate joints slightly longer than broad ; thorax a little longer than
broad, about as broad as elytra ; elytra shorter than thorax, almost parallel-
sided, closely, finely, and somewhat rvigosely punctured ; hind body more
parallel-sided than in Q. fulvicollis, punctuation coarser, as dense on basal seg-
ments, but more diffuse on ajjical, pubescence shorter and less iridescent : first
joint of posterior tarsi scarcely as long as last. Long., 5 — 6 mm.
This is the form described by Fowler (Col. Brit. IsL, Vol. II, p.
244) under the name Q. attenuatus, GTylL, var. picipennis, Heer (nee
Scriba). In the last European Catalogue attenuatus, G-ylL, is given as
a synonym of incipennis, Heer, but it will be seen that the two
are abundantly distinct, as Q. pici^iennis differs from Q. attenuatus in
its more parallel-sided form, more transverse head, more slender an-
tennae, and more coarsely and diffusely punctured hind body. It is
larger and <larker than Q. scribx, Ganglb., the elytra are more closely
punctured, and the apical dorsal segments of the hind body are more
strongly and diffusely punctured.
1911] 133
The ?ede:io-us is somewhat iutenuediate in structure between that
of Q. aftenuaf Its und Q.fidvicollis. The upper or larger lobe closely
resembles the same portion in Q. atteuaarus, but the lower lobe is
much broader and more like that of Q. fulviroUis.
I have specimens of Q. piclpenidt: from G-arvie, Ross- shire ; Dal-
whinnie, Inverness-shire ; and Mount Brandon, Co. Kerry.
As several Coleopterists have told me they have had difficulty in
identifying members of this group (Baphirus) of Quedius, I append
a table of the species.
I. — Scutelliun smooth Q. auricomus, Kies.
II. — Scutellimi punctured and pubescent.
i. — Size larger, shape more fusiform ; head much lon<^er than broad ; first
joint of posterior tarsi much longer than last Q. rufipcs, Gv.
ii. — Size smaller, shape less fiisiform ; liead broader ; first joint of posterioi
tarsi equal to or only slightly longer than last.
1. — Elytra bright bronze or yellowish ; 2nd to 4th dorsal segments of
hind body with a dark velvety depressed patch on each side ;
first joint of posterior tarsi slightly longer than last...
Q. scmiseneus, Steph.
2. — Elytra duller, not yellowish ; hind body without dark velvety de-
pressed patches ; first joint of jjosterior tarsi not longer than
last.
A. — Antennae thickened towards apex, penultimate joints about as long as broad ;
head about as long as broad ; hind body very closely and evenly punc-
tured Q. attenuates, Gyll.
B. — Antennaj not thickened towards apex, penultimate joints slightly longer
than broad ; head distinctly transverse.
a. — Size larger ; basal segments of hind body very closely pimctured.
a*. — Form subparallel ; head less transverse ; elytra shorter than thorax ;
hind body more coarsely punctiired, apical segments not so closely
as rest Q. picipennis, Heer.
b*. — Form more fusiform ; head more transverse ; elytra about as long as
thorax ; hind body evenly and less coarsely punctured...
Q.fulvicollis, Steph.
h. — Size smaller ; hind body much less closely pvinctm-ed ; head strongly
transverse Q. hoops, Gr.
Bradfield, Berks:
May Uth, 1911.
134 . fJ"'^^'
STENOCEPHALUS MEDIUS, M. et. E. :
AN ADDITION TO THE LIST OF BRITISH HEMIPTERA.
BY E. A. BUTLER, B.A., B.Sc, F.E.S.
The genus 8tenocephalu>< contains upwards of a dozen Palaearctic
species, but. only two of these have been inchided in the published
British lists, viz., 8. agilis, Scop., and 8. aJbi2)es, F. (= neglectvs, H.-S.) ;
a third species, however, 8. meclivs, M. and R., has long existed in our
collections, though hitherto without recognition. From our other two
species it may easily be distinguished by the following characteristics:
Its average size is smaller and the body is proportionately broader
behind ; the legs and antennae are shorter ; the basal joint of the
latter is shorter and stouter, the basal yellow ring on the apical joint
is smaller, and the proximal dark ring on the second joint is obscure
and brownish ; the hairs on the legs are short and far less conspicuous ;
the rostrum is longer and reaches the posterior coxae. The greater
length of the rostrinn in this smaller and shorter-legged species is a
curious fact, and it would be interesting to know whether there is
any difference in the method of feeding to account for the altered
proportions.
In PI. V of Saunders' " Hemiptera-Heteroptera of the British
Islands," fig. 5 more nearly represents *S^. medius than 8. agilis ; for
the latter the autennse and legs shoidd be longer, and the hairs much
longer and more numerous. The measurement given is that of
8. agilis.
Of ;S'. medius I have two specimens which I took at Maidenhead
Thicket on August 8th, 1893 (see Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. xxxi, p. TQ) ■
Mr. Champion has several from Darenth Wood, Mr. W. West has one
also, and there are some from the same locality in the Power Collec-
tion in the British Museum ; Commander Walker has talven speci-
mens at Wytham Park, Oxfordshire, one of which is now in the
collection of Mr. J. Collins, and another is, I believe, in the Bury
St. Edmund's Museum; Mr. W. Holland has two from Bulmershe,
Berks, and Mr. C. Morley also has one example. I am greatly
indebted to the above gentlemen, as well as to Mr. J. Edwards and
Mr. J. H. Keys, who have all kindly submitted to me their British
specimens of this genus. So far as I have been able to verify them,
8. agilis seems to be with us entirely a littoral insect, occurring where
species of Euphorbia grow on the south coasts of both England and
Wales, while 8. medius, as the above records show, occurs inland.
13"-] 135
The followiut; table iiuiy assist in the separation of our three
closely allied species : —
i. Hah's on legs long ; rostrmu reaching to intermediate coxae.
(a) Second joint of antennse with dark ring near the base ; femora with
long hairs which are not erect. Length, 12-13 mm. ...agilis, Scop.
(b) Second joint of antennae withoiat dark ring near the base ; femora with
long erect hairs. Length, 10-11 mm albipes, F.
ii. Hairs on legs short; rostrum reaching to posterior coxse. Length, 8-10 mm.
medins, M. and R.
It should perhaps be added that the right of S. albijpes to a place
on our list is based only upon two ancient records, and it seems
doubtful whether the insect is really indigenous, as it is a more
meridional species than either of the other two.
56, Cecile Park,
Crouch End, N. :
May 8th, 1911.
BEITISH ORTHOPTERA IN THE DALE COLLECTION.
I. — Earwigs, Cockroaches, and Crickets.
BY W. J. LUCAS, B.A., F.E.S.
Four drawers are sufficient to contain the Dale Collection of
British Ortlioptera, now located in the Hope Department of the Natural
History Museum at Oxford. The Collection comprises a fair number of
insects, which, though often of much interest historically, are in many
cases in very poor condition. They were usually so set as to touch the
paper in the drawers, making it difficult to handle them with safety.
Prof. E. B. Poulton has lately, however, had them all staged, so that
it is now possible to examine them without danger. All the data with
the insects are referred to in these notes, even though they may
seem to be unimportant. Many of the specimens, unfortunately, are
entirely without data, and are therefore of very little value, if any,
to students of this important order of insects. When it seemed
sufficiently certain that the handwriting of the labels might be assigned
to J. C. or C. W. Dale, this has been stated in brackets.
Earwigs (Forficulodea) .
Labidura gigantea. — This earwig now known as L. riparia, is represented
by four examples — a <J and a ? (1, 2) unlabelled, a <J (3) from Christcliurch,
and a ? , (4) labelled "Ch. Ch., July, 1808 " (J. C. D's writ.).
186 f-^""^'
Labia minor. — There are twelve (5-16) specimens (7 c? and 5 ^^ ) ; but
being iinlabelled, they are without interest.
Forficula auricularia is represented by no less than thirty-six examples,
the first three being named, var. infumata. (No. 17) is an unlabelled nymph,
(18) is a female, apparently from " N. Uist" (C. W. D's writ.), and (19) is a
female labelled " Fishall (?) Jidy, 1877 " (C. W. D's writ.) The next two (20, 21)
are named var. ncglecta ; but they are what are visually styled forcipata. (20)
is a male from Glanvilles Wootton (printed label), (21) pinned and having
spread wings is from Eltham (?). There follow three named forcipata. (22)
and (24) are unlabelled males, (23) is a male with two labels — the former
"July (printed) 37 (J. C. D's writ.)," the second "Milton Wood" (J. C. D's
writ, in red ink). (25-29) are named var. horealis. A female (25) is labelled
" Loch (sic) Swilly, Donegal, J. L.," a ? (26) and two males (27, 28) are un-
labelled. (29) on card with wings spread, bears two labels " May 18 (printed)
37 " (J. C. D's writ.) and " Portland 1843 " (J. C. D's writ.). The discrepancy as
regards date will be noticed. The next six are named var. arenosus. (30) and
(31) are unlabelled males, and (32), a male, has nothing more than a small
blank green label. The next specimen, a female (33), is marked (? - ? , but
there is no sign of hermaphroditism ; another label gives " White Sand Bay,
Aug. 1864" (J. C. D's writ.). No. 34 is a male withoiit data. No. 35, a female,
has a blank green label, and a second one (printed) " White Sand Bay." The
next three, all males, are styled var. media ; 36 and 37 are without data, but
the latter is a specimen of Forficula Icsnei ; 38 is labelled " und. stones Green
Wall Spring 1860" (J. C. D's writ.). The rest are not assigned a varietal
name. A male (39) and a female (44) are from "Dover" (J. C. D's writ.).
No. 40, a male, has twisted callipers and bears a printed number " 565." No. 41
bears the sign c? - ? , and, judging by the callipers may perhaps be a herma-
phrodite. The next specimen (42), a male, bears two labels — " Aug. 18
(printed) 25 " (J. C. D's writ.) and on the second " 1055." Nos : (43) ? , (45) <?
(46) ? (47) (? (48) ? (51) $ (52) ^ are all without data. Two females (49) and
(50) are labelled " Oct. 66 " (J. C. D's. writ.). The last eight (45-52) are carded
and have their wings spread.
Forficxda lesnci. — There are twelve specimens of this interesting species
under their true name, while a thirteenth (No. 37 above) appears under F. auricu-
laria. The first (53), a male, has a blank red label, and a second bearing " Sep.
28, 1837." Three males (54, 56, 60) and a female (64) are without data. No. 55
is labelled " Gl. Wootton, Nov. 14/60 " (J. C. D's writ.) and has a printed label
also " Nov. 14, 1860 " (the 14 and the 0 being filled in in J. C. D's writ.). Three
males (57, 59, 62) and a female (61) are from " Weymouth, Sept. 23, 1889 "
(C. W. D's writ.). Two females (58 and 63) are labelled "I. of W. " (J. C. D's
writ.).
Apterygida albipennis is represented by three specimens — a male (65)
"Charing, Sept. 17, 1904" (C. W. D's writ.), a female (66) unlabelled, and a
female (67) "Charing, Kent, Sept. 17, 1904" (C. W. D's writ.).
Apterygida arachidis. — There are three examples all bearing labels in
C. W. D's handwriting. They are — a male (68) " Queenborough, J. J. Walker,"
urn.] 137
a female (69) " Qiieenboroug'h, in bone sacks, Apr. 4, 1807," a female (70)
" Queeuborong-h, J, J. Walker, Apr. !•, 1897, bone sacks."
Aiiisolabia aiirmlipes aguin is represented by three examples. All are
females, labelled— (71) "Col: bakehouse. Tavistock" (C. W. D's writ.), (72)
" Tavistock, H. Swale. Apr. 1894," (73), " Tavistock, Ap. 1894."
Anisolabia maritima. — There are six examples — three males (70, 78, 79)
and three females (74,75,77). None are labelled except (77) 'Northumber-
land" (printed). No. 78 has small callipers.
Cockroaches (Blattodea) .
Blatta lapponica is represented by eleven examples, two only (83 and 85)
carded specimens, being- labelled — "Lyndhurst" (J. C. D's writ.); (88) is a
carded specimen, with wings spread; (86 and 87) also have their wings spread ;
(89 and 90) are nymphs.
Blatta nigripes. — Seven specimens. Two (94, 95) are nymphs ; (92) is
labelled " Lizerd (sic) Oct. 18, 1873" (C. W. D's writ.) ; (97) " Bovirnemovith,"
1845 (J. C. D's writ.) ; the rest bear no data. [This insect is in reality only a
form of the next. — W. J. L.].
Blatta ericetorum. — There are eleven examples, three (98, 101, 103) being
labelled " Land's End, 1864 " (J. C. D's writ.) while (98) bears also a printed
label to the same eifect. (105) bears the letters " B. M." (perha^ss in J. C. D's
writing). The rest (99, lOU, 102, 104, 106-108) are unlabelled. (108) is a
nymph."
Blatta livida is represented by ten specimens. (109) has " 1036" printed
on much faded reddish paper (111) is labelled "Portland, July 30th, 1875"
(C. W. D's writ.). (112) has two labels, " Boui'nemou.th " (printed) and
"Bournemouth, 1845," (J. C. D's writ.). (114) bears the date "Oct. 66"
(J. C. D's writ.). 117 has the labels " Glanvilles Wootton" (printed) and
"Nov/m/67" (J. C. D's writ.). 118 is labelled "B-movith 46." The rest (110,
113, 115, 116) are without data. (114-118) are " nymphs."
Blatta germanica. — There are eleven examples (119-129), all without any
data whatever. The first four only are matiire, the rest being "nymphs."
(126, 127) are on one card, as are also (128, 129).
Periplaneta orientalis. — Of the six examples (130-135) one only (130) has a
label—" Sherborne 1887."
Periplaneta americana. — There are two specimens only — (136) labelled
"E. Newstead Chester 1895" (C. W. D's writ.), and (137) bearing the
number ^~|^.
Periplaneta australasiw. — Again, thei-e are two specimens (138, 139) tlie
second being a " nymph." Both bear an inscription, the first part of which is
illegible, followed by " Sherborne 1839."
Crickets (Gryllodea).
Acheta domestica. — There are seven examples, all unlabelled (140-146).
(140, 142, 144) are males, while (141, 143, 145, 146) are females.
138 f-^""^'
Gryllotal'pa vulgaris. — With the exception of (151) which bears the written
No. "63," all six si^eciniens (147-152) are without data.
Acheta campestris. — This interesting species is represented by 8 examples
(153-157) being males, (158-160) females. (153, 154) bear a label which
appears to be " Christchurch " followed by the date " 3885" (C. W. D's writ.).
(155) is labelled "Christchurch July 1885" (C. W. D's writ.); by its side is
also a printed label " Christchurch," whicli may however refer to tlie first four
(153-156). (156) bears the printed date "May (8). 186 (8)," the two 8's in
brackets being filled in in writing. (157-160) are withovit data.
Nemohia sylvestris is represented by nine examples (161-169). (163) is
labelled "New Forest" and (166) " Brockenhiirst 1874," the 4 being filled in.
The rest are unlabelled. Below (168) occurs the locality "New Forest," which
perhaps is intended to i-efer to all nine insects.
(To he continued).
28, Knight's Park,
Kingston-on-Thames :
May, 1911.
Note on -the methods used to obtain minute blind Staphylinidx. — The account
given by Signor A. Dodero in his jiaper on the genus Leptotyphlus, Fauvel [Ann.
Mus. Civ., St. Nat. Genova (3) iii, pp. 631-640 (1908)], cannot fail to interest
British Coleopterists, some of whom may like to try his modus operandi in this
country.
" From the preceding account [of what is known about the few recorded
species of this genus] it can easily be seen how rarely one meets with these
minute creatures, which (with the exception perhaps of L. sublsevis) were con-
sidered to be rarities of the first order. Indeed, their very small size, which is
almost unique in the family, added to the extreme slowness of their move-
ments, makes capture by ordinary metho'ls almost impossible. I foimd the first
specimens of L. perpusillus only by examining with a lens the earth collected
by myself dm-ing several years, and which I had sifted and then placed in
special receptacles. The insects came to the surface to die about a month after
the earth had been put into the boxes and wliere it was qiiite dry. Recently,
however, after several attempts, I succeeded in finding a method which makes
their capture very much easier, so that in a few months I can sometimes
procure, in fairly large numbers, several of the known species, as well as new
ones. The following is my method : Having dug out the earth, as one usually
does to obtain subterranean forms, at the foot of old tree trunks (to a deptli of
10-15 centimetres at least), or from beneath deeply bvu'ied large stones (taking
care to scrape the sides and bottom of the hole), one sifts it with wire sieves
(with a niesli of |, |, or 1 millim). The earth remaining in the sieve is jjut
aside for furtlier examination, and that wliicli has passed through is replaced in
the same sieve and flattened down a little, care being taken not to shake it.
i«i.] 139
otherwise the fine earth would of course fall through again. The sieve with
its contents is then placed very gently on a white plate containing a little
water, and the whole exposed to the light and air. Under these conditions the
drying of the earth takes place from the top downwards, and the insects, in
order to escape from the dryness, tend to bury themselves till they reach the
bottom of the earth. Then they fall through into the plate beneath. A glance
at the plate from time to time, in which they can easily be seen floating on the
water, permits an easy capture."
Signor Dodero was kind enough to show me his very successful method in
operation at Genoa last summer, when I had the pleasure of seeing that extra-
ordinarily minute Staphylinid genvis Leptotypldus alive for the first time.
During an excursion to Sardinia with this gentleman and Signor Ferdinando
Solari, I was also introduced to the mode of obtaining and sifting the
earth from beneath the enormous boulders on the oak-clad slopes of the
Gennargentii range of mountains where many blind Coleoptera were captured
belonging to the genera Reicheia, Scotodipnus, Scotonomus, Scotodites, Bathy-
scia, Amaurops, Raymondionymus, &c. The sifted earth was brought back to
Genoa, and the finer particles have since yielded, I believe, various Lepto-
typhlus ; and the coarser earth, after being placed for a few days in very
shallow close fitting wooden boxes, has produced more specimens of the genera
noted above, as well as many others not previously seen ; the insects in this case
always coming to the top as the earth dried. — G. C. Champion, Horsell,
Woking: May I6th, 1911.
Tachyporina, ^c, at Nethy Bridge. — I spent my summer holidays in 1910
in the same quarters at Nethy Bridge that we occupied in 1908. Diu-ing this last
visit I worked carefully the moss which is such a characteristic feature of these
northern pine forests, and secvired as a resvdt some interesting insects. Oiit of
a thick climip of moss by the side of a cart-track through the forest I shook on
22nd August a pair of Lamprinus saginatus, Heer. The only previous record
from Scotland was one due to Dr. Sharp, who took this species sparingly in flood
refuse in the Solway district. Mr. W. E. Sharp, who spent a few days with
me in September, swept up a specimen of the species near Forres. These
captures greatly extend the northern range of this species ; in the moss in which
my specimens occxiiTed there was a number of a species of Myrmica, but ap-
parently it was not a nest. In the genus Tachinus, I foiind Jlavipes, F., not
uncommon, though very local, and, as in 1908, proximus, Kr., and pallipes, Gr.,
occurred in fair numbers, all in sheep droppings ; one specimen of elongahis,
Gyll., was captui'ed while it was taking an evening stroll along one of the forest
roads. A nice series of Megacronus inclinans, Grav., was obtained from thick
moss in the forest ; this insect is not rare at Nethy Bridge ; I always found a
specimen when I specially went out to look for it, and it occurred apparently all
over a widely extended forest area. A long day's climb on the Cairngorms was
rewarded by a specimen of Bryoporus rugipennis, Pand. ; it occurred in moss
growing in an almost inaccessible spot at an elevation of about 3,500 feet; I had
to work my way up to the place liy the careful vise of both hands and feet.
Several species of the genus Mijcetoporus turned up in tlie moss, including
140 ['T""^'
monticola. Fowler, s-plendidus, Grav., h(,cidus, Er., and, in 1908, nanus, Er. It
is perhaps worth mentioning that oiit of this forest moss I secured a series of
Euryporus picipes, Payk., and specimens of Fhilonthus smtatus, Er., Xaiitholinus
distans, Kr., X. tricolor, F., the type form with the base of the thorax dark, and
Acidota crenata, F., Qiiedms lateralis, Grav., Q. nigriceps, Kr., and Q. picipes,
Mann., were abundant in the moss all over the forest. I was much struck by
the fact that while species of the genus Quedins occurred freely in this forest
moss it was only very rarely that any species of Philonthus or of Tachyporus
coiild be obtained; though, as usrial, several of the commoner species of the latter
genus were found in moss growing in more oj^en places. — T. Hudson Beaee, 10,
Eegent Terrace, Edinburgh: May, irjth 1911.
Quedius vexans, Epp., of the British List. — In vol. xlii, p. 198, of this
Magazine, Mr. N. H. Joy published some notes on Coleoptera occurring in the
nests of mammals and birds ; two of these were new to our list, one of them, a
red-winged Quedius, was named vexans, Epp. I have recently had some cor-
respondence with Dr. Bernhauer in reference to this Quedius, and sent him a
coiiple of specimens. Dr Bernhauer now writes as follows: — "The Quedius you
sent is heidenreichi, a short description of which appeared in the ' Entom.
Bliittern ' for 1910. A complete description will appear in the next ' Hefte der
Miinchner Koleop. Zeitimg." It is the same insect which Capt. St. Claire Deville
has also briefly described as Q. talparum." It is evident from this letter that
oiir insect has been wrongly named as vexans, Epp., that it was new to science
when Mr. Joy discovered it, that it was undescribed until 1910, and that it will
have to be known as heidenreichi, Bernh. It is perhaps worth mentioning that
I have also had some correspondence Avith Mr. Rosenberg of Copenhagen in
regard to Coleoptera found in moles' nests. Mr. Rosenberg infoi-med me that in
Denmark they foimd in these nests Q. longicornis, Kr., and Q. ochripennis. Men.
='puncticollis, Thoms., and he kindly sent me three specimens of the latter species.
On comparing these with our moles' nest insect, I found as I suspected that they
were identical, and I have, therefore, informed Mr. Rosenberg that the Danish
species is also heidenreichi, Bernli. It is curious that both in Denmark and in
Great Britain this insect should have been wrongly identified. — Id.
Medo7i apicalis, Kr., Sfc, near Oxford. — On the evening of May 9th I was
much pleased to sweep up a specimen of Medon apicalis, Kr., at Wood Eaton,
quite close to the elm stump in which Plegaderus dissectus has recently occurred
{ante, p. Ill) ; this latter species has again been fotmd in the wet rotten wood,
in company with Quedius micro2}S, Homalium exiguum, and Ahrseus granulum (3).
Oligota apicata, several in dry fungoid growth on beech at Wood Eaton, May 15th,
0. granaria* in some numbers in mill refuse at Cothill, Berks, May 1st ; Homalota
splendens* by sweeping at Boar's Hill on May 16th, and Ceuthorrhynchus nas-
turtii, locally common of water-cress at Cothill, May 20th, are perhaps worth a
passing notice. — James J. Walker, Oxford : May 22nd, 1911.
Not included in tlie Berkshire County List.
mi.] 141
Ceratophyllus silantiewi, Wagner ; a " plague- flea." — 1 have recently received
from Dr. Petrie, of the Lister Institute, IS specimens of the little known flea,
Ceratophyllus silantiexvi, Wagner, captured early this year at Manchoui'ie on
the frontier of Siberia and Manchiu'ia. The examples in question were taken
f rom " Tarabagans " (Arctomys hobac). Tarabagans are known to suffer from
epidemics of plague, and the recent epidemic in Manchuria started amongst
the Chinese hunters of these animals in Mongolia. These hunters returned
sovith when the winter set in and carried the disease with them. Dr. Petrie
informs me that the few specimens of this flea surviving when he received
them at Mukden fed when placed upon his arm. — N. Charles Eothschild,
Arundel Hovise, Kensington Palace Gardens, W. : May 18f/i, 1911.
ituaiiiT.
William Alfred Bollasori died at Triu'O on April 23rd, after a very brief
illness, at the comparatively early age of 48 years. Since 1899 he had held the
position of Art Master in the Central Technical Schools of that town, in which,
and indeed throughout the West of England, he was well known and greatly
esteemed for his marked artistic and musical talents, as well as for his genial
and enthusiastic character. As an Entomologist he has probably contributed
more than any other worker to our knowledge of the insects of Cornwall, a
county hitherto by no means fiilly investigated. His attention was at fii'st
mainly directed to the Lepidoptera, of which he formed a large collection, and
we luiderstand that he had in view the compilation of a text-book of the British
species of the Order, for which he had executed a very fine series of coloiu-ed
drawings of larvae. Latterly he took up the study of the Hymenoptera, and
was a highlj^ esteemed correspondent of the late Mr. Edward Saunders ; only
as recently as oiu* April nvunber (pp. 90-93 ante) a very interesting list of
Cornish Aculeata observed by him appeared in our pages. Mr. Eollason was a
Fellow of the Entomological Society, to which he was elected in 1909.
^ocMtijjs.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society. — Meeting of the
Society held at the Koyal Institution, Colquit Street, Liverpool, March 21st,
1911.— Dr. P. F. TiNNE, Vice-President in the Chair.
Mr. G. H. Watson, of Manchester, gave a lecture on " The Saturniidse, a
Group of Wild Silk Moths."
Afttr reviewing the classification of the group, the lecturer detailed the
work that is being done, by himself and others, in order to discover new
sources of supply of silk and also to strengthen the races of silk-producing
moths cidtivated in Europe and Asia. The true silk moth is not known as a
wild insect, although in China there are records of its cultivation ui)wards of
M
142 [June,
4000 years old. Occasionally disease ravages the inbred races of the insect,
hence the necessity to introdiice new blood. So far, hybridisation has not been
very successful, thus the efforts of practical Entomologists are directed towards
finding out and investigating new species of wild moths whose larvae make
a cocoon of serviceable silk. Mr. Watson showed the Japanese silk moth,
Anthersea yama-mai, and also the Tnssor, or Indian, silk moth, A. mylitta, as
instances of wild insects capable of cultirre and yielding a large quantity of
valviable silk ; Saturnia injretorum, the moth whose larvae yields the gut used
for fishing lines, the production of which forms the staple industry in the
Island of Hainan (China), also came in for attention. The lecture was illus-
trated by Mr. Watson's collection of twenty large drawers containing many
very rare species arranged with the silk they produce, the whole forming an
educational exhibit of exceeding interest. At the same meeting Mr. W.
Mansbridge, exhibited, on behalf of Mr. L. W. Newman, of Bexley, the new
breeding pot invented by Mr. Newman, and also his relaxing boxes.
The conchiding meeting of the Session was held on April 9th. Mr. Geo.
Arnold, Vice-President, in the Chair.
Mr. Wm. Mansbridge gave an address on Grapholitha nxvana and (?. (? var.)
geminana, in which he dealt with the various forms of these insects in Lanca-
shire and Yoi'kshire. He stated that in the West Riding the two species were
in the imago state at the same time in localities near to one another, where the
holly form {nsevana) and the bilberry form {geminana) occiuTcd. At Delamere
however, the bilberry feeder was worn at the time the holly feeder was begin-
ning to emerge in the district round Liverpool. Although nsevana from holly
had a variation like geminana, it was never so pale as the latter, and the moth
from bilberry was always smaller in size ; geminana did not possess a black
variation like nsevana, but a very small percentage wex'e unicolorous dark grey.
Mr. F. N. Pierce then described the results of his examination of the genitalia
of the two species ; after critically comparing a long series of preparations of
both males and females, he had failed to distinguish any point of difference.
In discvission by the Members it was held that the negative character of
Mr. Pierce's results was not sufficient, in this instance, to sink geminana to the
level of a variation of nasvana. Mr. Wm. Mansbridge exhibited a long series of
Selenia bilunaria, comprising very dark speckled forms and a new variation of
a uniform dark ferruginous brown colour, for which he proposed the varietal
name hrunnearia. Mr. C. E. Stott showed a specimen of Panchlora nivea, L., an
exotic cockroach, taken on the wing at Trentham, N. Staffs., in October, 1910. —
H. R. Sweeting and Wm. Mansbridge, Hon. Secretaries.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, March 23rd, 1911.— Mr. W. J. Kaye, P.E.S., President, in the Chair.
1911.] 143
Mr. Stanley A. Blonkarn, of Bockenhain, was elected a Mcinbor.
Mr. W. J. Kaye exhibited a series of Xylina conformis, all liut one from
Glamorg-anshire, and remarked on its occurrence and distribiition. Mr.
Newman called attention to the devastation caused by some hitherto unknown
disease among bees in the South of England. It was most contagions, and
scarcely a hive remained over a large area. Mr. Brockstone, a bred series of
Apocheima (Nyssia) Mspidaria, and gave particiilars as to breeding. He also
contributed notes on the occiirrence of numerous dwarf examples of Hyhernia
defoliaria at Richmond, the pairing of H. marginaria ^ and H, defoliaria 9 ,
delayed wing development of Chesias rufata, pupation of Triphaena pronuha
after hibernation without feeding ; the finding of the ova of Spilosoma men-
thastri on the shell of a living snail, and the occurrence of batches of ova of
Hadena pisi on a small plum tree. Mr. Newman said that A. Mspidaria readily
pvipated in two inches of soil, if the bottom of the cage was a concrete floor.
Mr. R. Adkin, two varieties of Arctia caja from Yorkshire larvae ; one with the
whole of the fore-wings dvill smoky -bro\vn, with very much diminished white
markings, the hind-wings black with only a few didl yellow patches, some
ill-defined ; the other with a concentration of the lighter colour of the fore-
wing towards the base, and of the darker colour towards the apex, while the
hind-wings were bright orange-red, with miich reduced black markings. He
also showed living Apocheivia zonaria, with eggs in sit A, under bark of Clematis.
Thursday, April 13th. — The President in the Chair.
Miss Alderson, F.E.S., of Worksop, was elected a Member.
Mr. Ashdown exhibited about 100 species of conspicuous Coleoptera, taken
by him in Switzerland during July, 1910. Mr Tiu-ner, living specimens of
Agapanthia asphoddi, sent to him by Dr. Chapman from Hyeres. Mr. Adkin,
an undetermined Agrotid from the Isle of Lewis, a Sciaphila from Unst,
probably referable to S. colquhoiinana, and a Pyrameis c.ardui, in which the row
of spots on the hind-wings were united into an irregular blotch. Mr. Newman,
on behalf of Mr. Oliver, a bred series of Aphantopus hyperanthus, which had
emerged in Janiiary and February. The larvae had fed all the winter on Poa
annua until pupation. Mr. Hemming, series of Brenthis selene from Warwick
and Sussex; the former were a much larger race in both sexes — Hy. J. Turner,
Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, April 5th, 1911. — The
Rev. F. D. MoRiCE, M.A., President, in the Chair.
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society : Messrs.
H. W. Davey, Inspector of the Department of Agriculture, Geelong, Victoria,
Australia ; H. Boileau, 90 rue de la Cote St. Thibavilt, Bois de Colombes, Seine,
France ; Rufus Mallinson, Oakland, Windermere.
The President announced the death of Mr. P. C. T. Snellen, of Rotterdam,
144 [June,
the oldest Honorary Fellow of the Society, and moved that an expression of
synijiathy be forwarded to his family ; this was seconded by Mr. Clahan and
carried imanimoiTsly.
Mr. Eobert Adkin exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Lachlan Gibb, of Montreal,
Canada, three specimens (two males and one female) of a Pieris taken by
Mr. Gibb at Lost Eiver, Canada, in May, 1910, together with series of P. oleracea
and P. rapx from the same and other Canadian localities for comparison. Mr.
Gibb had mentioned that P. rapse was not an indigenovis species, but was said
to have been introdiiced into Canada some sixty years ago. He asked the
opinion of the Fellows iipon the three specimens, and suggested the possibility
of their being the result of natiiral hybridisation between P. oleracea and
P. rapse. Dr. Dixey was of opinion that the three specimens in question were
certainly not hybrids, and oven probably only a variety of P. oleracea ; he
pointed out that they differed less from the P. oleracea exhibited than did the
series of P. rapse from one another. Mr. Eowland-Brown observed that the
greater or less amount of grey suffusion was a common form of variation in the
geniTs. Dr. Longstaff agreed with Dr. Dixey, and remarked that P. rapse was
certainly not an indigenous species in Canada. Mr. W. J. Lucas showed three
specimens of EuhoreUia moesta, Gene, received on April 3rd from Hyeres, from
Dr. Chapman, with four others of the same species Both sexes were shown ;
but they look rather alike owing to there being little difference in the callipers.
He also exhibited a large ant, one of three specimens found this year at
Swanage in a bunch of bananas, supposed to have come from Jamaica. The
President observed that the specimen belonged to the genus Neoponera, and
was probably N. theresise, Forel, a Central American species. He added that
the genus was a curious one, combining the possession of a sting with the
single abdominal node characteristic of the stingless ants. Mr. F. Muir, two
specimens of the bat Miniopterus schreihersi, with 9 Ascodipteron embedded at
the base of the ear, from Amboyna. He said that the male and winged female
hatch out as normal imagines, the female, after finding her host, cuts her way
under the skin at the base of the ear, and then casts her legs and wings ; her
abdomen then develops to an enormous extent, and entirely envelopes her head
and thorax so that she appears as a " bottle-shaped " grub without legs or head,
this species he had named Ascodipteron speiserianum, after Dr. Paul Speiser.
Mr. L. W. Newman, on behalf of Mr. G. B. Oliver, of Wolverhampton, a series
of A. hyperanthus bred during January and February, 1911, from ova laid by a
Leamington ? in July, 1910. The larvae were fed in glass-topped metal boxes
in a warm room (the fire being oiit at night). The specimens, though rather
small, showed a great tendency to produce large spots both on the upper and
under-sides. A few captured examples from the same locality, selected for
prominent spotting, served to add emphasis to this tendency in the forced
specimens. Mr. H. J. Turner, living specimens of a Long-icorn beetle, Agapan-
thia asphodeli, sent by Dr. Chapman from Hy&res. Commander Walker
observed that he had found it in Malta (the only common longicorn there),
and also at Gibraltar in the early spring, and always on asphodel.
ii»n.] 145
ADDITIONS AND COERECTIONS TO THE BRITISH LIST OF
MUSCIDM AGALYPTBATM.
BY J. E. COLLIN, F.E.S.
(Continued from Vol. xlvi, page 178).
MICEOPEZID^.
Calobata sellata, Mg., described from a British specimen is considered by-
Becker to be a synonym of cibliaria, L., bnt to my mind the description of the
arista as " sehr kurzgefiedert," and the abdomen (female) as having " ziegel-
rother Legerohre," points most strong'ly to its being identical with petronella,
L. In either case the species sinks as a synonym, and should no longer burden
the List.
Calobata trivialis, Lw. — I cannot separate the specimens iipon which this
species was added to the List by Mr. Verrall in 1894, from typical ciharia, L.,
the male abdominal appendages are exactly the same. Mr. Verrall was prolaably
misled by the specimens under the name trivialis in Kowarz's collection, which
are representatives of cibaria, L.
PSILID^.
*Psila nigromaculata, Strobl. — This species has only one pair of dorso-
central bristles on the thorax, it has the appearance of bicolor, Mg., but the an-
tennae are entirely pale, and the sternopleiira is darkened in front of the middle
coxae. Col. Yerbiiry and Mr. C. G. Lamb have taken this species at Nethy
Bridge (Inverness) in June, and Dr. Wood has fovmd it in Herefordshire.
*Psila hwneralis, Zett. — I recognise this as a species distinct from nigri-
cornis in having a more pubescent arista, as well as being extensively reddish
about the humeri. Col. Yerbury found it at Golspie (Sutherland) and Netliy
Bridge (Inverness) in June and July.
Psila pectoralis, Mg. — I have not seen British specimens answering to this
species, but those in Kowarz's collection are certainly distinct from nigricornis,
they are smaller, the pleiirae entirely pale, and the pubescence of the arista
longer. P. pectoralis, /'. nigricornis, and /', Minieralis are considered by some
writers synonyms of /'. rossp-.
J'sila gracilis, Mg., was recorded from Lincolnshire in 1898 by Mr. P. H.
Grimshaw, and Col. Yerbury has taken it in Scotland at Nairn, Nethy Bridge,
and Golspie in June and July. P. villosula, Mg., is considered to be the same
species.
Chyliza atriseta, Mg. — This is the type of Rondani's genus Mcgachetum,
which is recognised as a valid genus in Kertesz's Catalogue.
Chyliza vittata, Mg., was first i*ecorded as occurring in Britain by tlae Rev.
E. N. Bloomfield in this Magazine for 1904, p. 60. I have taken it myself in
Dr. Wood's locality of Stoke Wood (Herefordshire).
Loxocera aristata, Pnz. — I accept Loevv's iutei-pretation of this sjiecies,
because an examination of the figure given by Panzer must convince any one
that he could not have had albiseta, Schrnk., befoi-e him.
146 [-Imie,
Loxocera albiscta, Schrnk. — In the latest Catalogiie this species is called
ichncumoiiea, L., but Zettei'stodt was i^ositive that Linne's species was the same
as the one I call aristata, Pnz.
Loxocera nigrifrons, Mcq. — Dr. D. Sharp confirmed the occurrence of this
species in Britain on p. 255 of this Magazine for 1903,
Lissa. — This genus is placed among the Sepsidm in Kertesz's Catalogue, but
the general clothing of the body and the absence of vibrissse surely point to
its being more related to the Psilicl!e among which it stands in o\ir List, thoiigh
the ovipositor of the female shows relationsliip to the Ortalidie.
CHLOEOPID^.
Centor, Lw. — Hendel has proposed a new name, Cetema, for this genus
(surely he meant to have wi-itten Centema) on the ground that it was pre-
occupied in the Coleox>tera (Schoenherr, 1847).
Melannm, Becker. — This genus, which comes very near to Caj^noptera, Lw.,
was founded by Becker (1910) for the Chlorops lateralis, Hal., of our List.
The species is not uncommon on the Suffolk coast.
Haplegis rufifrons, Lw. — Becker uses Meigen's name of diadema for this
species, in spite of the very misleading nature of Meigen's description.
*Diplotoxa approximatonervis, Zett., has been taken by Col. Yerbury at
Nairn, from May to July ; it is miich smaller than messoria, witli the cross veins
very close together, and the legs and scutellum pale.
*Diplotoxa limhata, Mg. {inconsta,ns, Lw.). — This species is not uncommon
at Chippenham Fen (Cambs.), in March and April ; I have also taken it at
Palling-on-Sea (Norfolk), in June, and in the garden at Newmarket (Suffolk),
in September. Guerin described and figured it, 1842 (Mem. Soc. d'Agric. Paris),
under the name of Chlorops herpini. I accept Meigen's name of limhata for
this species, because there is nothing veiy contradictory in his description,
but this cannot be said of his description of cinctipes, the name by which
Becker considers the species ought to be known.
Meromysa. — Herr Becker considers that the characters \ipon which the
species have been separated in the past are variable and unrelia))le, and in his
recent work on the Chloropidse recognises only four European species. My own
studies have led me to the conclusion that many of these characters can be
proved to be reliable by an examination of the male genitalia, for instance,
variegata, Mg., and Iwta, Mg., as distingiiished by Schiner are distinct species,
as are also saltatrix, L., and nigriventris, Mcq.
Chlorops meigenii, Lw. — Becker uses Schrank's name of nasuta for this
species, with lineata, P., and umhelliferarum, Schrank, as synonyms, but he has
apparently overlooked the fact that the name nmhelliferarmn dates back to
Scopoli (Ent. Carn., p. 349), 1763. With regard to the resiu-rection of these
old names, I cannot help thinking that unless we can bring forward reasons for
bringing them to life sufficiently convincing to prevent futiire students from
objecting to their \ise, we had far better let them sink into obscurity.
Chlorops hrevimana, Lw. — Svxrely the absurdity of sinking Loew's laame as
1911.] 147
a synonym of fulvipes, v. Eoser, is obvious to any one ; all that von Roser pub-
lished to enable any one to recognise his species were the following- words,
" nigra nitida, capite pedibusquc fulvis ; alis hyalinis ■" this might apply to
hundreds of species of Diptera, but by no possible chance to any species of
Chlorops, so naturally his species remained unrecognised. To accept this as a
sufficient descrijition of a Chlorops entitling the name to priority is to reduce
the study of Entomology to a farce.
*Chlorops planifrons, Lw. — Col. Yerbiuy caught a male of this species at
Clifford's Castle (Herefordshire), on July 28th, 1902, and a female at Pembridge
(Herefordshire), on August 15th, 1902. It may be known by its large black
third antennal joint, with the arista whitish, the dull black thoracic stripes, and
the large frontal triangle colovired somewhat as in triangularis, Beck.
*Chlorops hypostigma,'M.g. {miiuita, Lw.). — This is a comparatively connnon
species, and I have met with it in numerous localities. It may be known by its
small size (about 2 mm.), the yellow corners to the frontal triangle, the shining
thoracic stripes, and the black and fairly large third antennal joint.
^Chlorops serena, Lw. — I have seen specimens from Herefordshire, Cam-
bridgeshire, and Suffolk, it belongs to the group with black third antennal
joint, and no sharply marked black sternopleural spot. I do not accept the name
calceata, Mg., for this species because Meigen's desci'iption does not agree, and I
do not believe that the sjjecimens in Winthem's collections are those upon which
Meigen founded the species, moreover, I know of specimens answering to
Meigen's description of calceata, which much resemble hypostigma, Mg., but
are distinct.
*Chlorops triangularis, Becker. — This species occurs in the New Forest
(Hampshire) ; Mr. Verrall caught four specimens at Lyndliurst in June, 1895,
and it has been taken by Dr. Sharp and Mr. C. G. Lamb. The black third an-
tennal joint has a whitish arista, the sternopleural spot is not black, and the
dark part of the frontal triangle is divided into two parts — an indefinite spot
about the ocelli, and a triangle at the apex.
* Chlorops interrupta, Mg. Qiirsuta, Lw.). — I have seen three specimens of
what I believe to be this species, a male I cavight myself at Cornbury Park
(Oxfordshire) in July, 1904, and two specimens taken by Mr. C. G. Lamb at
Wells (Somerset) in September, 1901. The pale third antennal joint and
sternopleural spot and the pale frontal triangle with a dark central line help
to distinguish the species.
Chlorops Iseta, Mg. — I have not seen a British specimen of this species with
which C. discicornis, Lw., is said to be identical.
Chlorops cinctipes, Mg. — This is a very doubtful species, certainly not a
Chlorops, and had better be struck out of the List (v. Diplotoxa limhata, p. (?).
Chloropisca circumdata, Mg. — This is the name under which C. ornata, Lw.
{nee Mg.), should be known. I consider the identity of C. notata exti-emely
doubtful, and though now given by Becker as the correct name for this species
in 1902, after an examination of the types he came to the conclusion that they
did not belong to the genus Chloropisca,
148 [June, 1911.
*Chloroinsca ohscurella, Zett., is the darkest species of the genus, with
darkened legs, mouth edge, and scutellum, it is not uncommon, I have seen
specimens from Suffolk, Kent, Glamorgan, and Sutherland.
*Chloropisca rufa, Mcq. — This does not appear to be a common species.
Mr. Verrall took a female on his stvidy window at Newmarket (Suffolk) in
August, 1896. Mr. F. Jenkinson, a male in his garden at Cambridge in July,
1903, and Col. Yerbvxry a male at Walton-on-Naze (Essex) in July, 1909.
Camarota, Mg. — Becker has endeavoured to prove that this name must
sink as a synonym of Oscinis, Latr., but his reasoning is unsound, being based
upon an error. The name Oscinis was first published in 1804 (Nouv. Diet.
d'Histoire Nat., xxiv, p. 196), and 0. curvipe^mis, Latr. (= Camarota flavitarsis,
Mg.), was not described until 1805 (Hist. Nat. Crust. Ins., xiv, p. 382, wrongly
quoted by Becker as published in 180-i) ; certainly Lati'eille, in 1804, when de-
scribing Oscinis gave " nies mouches curvipennes " as belonging to the genus, but
he was not referring to the 0. curvipennis he described in the following year
but to his section " X. Mouches curvipennes " of 1802 (Hist. Nat. Crust. Ins.,
III. p. 460). The species quoted by Latreille as belonging to his genus Oscinis
at the time of its formation were therefore, Musca lineata, F., Musca olese, ¥.,
Musca coleoptrata. Scop., Musca planifrons, F., and Musca umbraculata, F.
In 1805 (Hist. Nat. Crust. Ins., xiv, 382), he only gave lineata, F., and his
new species, curvipennis {^flavitarsis, Mg.), as belonging to the genus, tliough
he still doubtfully inclvided oleie, F., while we find M^lsca planifrons removed to
the genus Tetanocera.
In 1809 (Gen. Criist. et Ins., iv, 351) the chief point to note is his inclusion
of his previously founded (1804) geniis Otites.
In 1810 (Considerations Genor. p. 444.) he gave as types of the genvis Osci^iis :
Musca formosa (previously inclvided in his genus Otites), Oscinis lineata, F., and
Tcphritis strigula.
Everything points to the fact that, whatever Latreille at different times
included in the genus Oscinis he ultimately meant it to apply to lineata and
its allies. This was recognised by Meigen and Macquart and the latter in 1835
(Hist. Nat. Dipt., II, 598) when restricting the name Oscinis to the species with
the costa extending to the end of the discal vein, wrote as follows : — " Le
" nom d'Oscine a ete donne primitivement par Latreille k un genre qvii
" comprenait non seulement les Chloi'ops et les Agromyzes de Meigen, mais
" encore les Otites, les Dacus et d'autres Muscides de diverses tribus. Cependant,
" dans la seconde edition du Regne Animal, notre grand entomologiste parait
" I'avoir limite aux premiers seulement. Nous croyons done devoir le conserver ;
" mais, comme celui de Chlorops appartient de droit au genre qiii retfemme les
" especes aux yeux verts, nous reservons I'autre a celui-ci."
This action of Macqiiart's, thougli perhaps not in accordance with the views
of the present day, has been accepted by all students of Dipt era for 75 years'
including Loew who in 1858 (Wien. Ent. Monatschr. II, 72) wrote : — " Herr
" Macquart hat die erste Meigen, sche Abtheilung der Gattung Chlorops, Meig.
" von der zwiten generisch getrennt, ersterer den namen Chlorops gelassen,
" woran er ganz recht gethan, und auf die zweite den Namen Oscinis iibertragen,
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PAGE
Three weeks in the Sudan (continued). — 0. B. Longstaff, 31. A., M.D.,
F.R.C.P 125
Barypithes duplicatus, n. sp., and notes on other members of the genus (with
a Plate).— ./awes H. Keys, F.E.S 128
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M.R.C.S., F.E.S 132
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iersL.—E. A. Butler, B.A., B.Sc, F.E.S 134
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Medon apicalis, Kr., &c., near Oxford. — James J. Walker, M.A., E.N., F.L.S. 140
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" wogegen sicli niclits irgend Erhobliches einwcnden liisst, und worin ihm also
" zii folgen ist, wenn die Confusion in Verwendimg dieser Namon nicht endlos
" werden soil."
I maintain that tlie interests of the science of Dipterology is best served by-
retaining the name Oscinis.
Siphonella Imvigata, Fall. — I cannot understand why Becker considers
Ixvigata, Zett., distinct from Ixvigata, Fall. Fallen knew only the female and
Zetterstedt expressly stated " Feminam descripsi secnndimi specimen, qiiod
Fallen ante oculos habnit" while Zetterstedt's description cannot apply to
Siphonella oscinina but does apply to Haplegis tarsata. The name Ixvigata,
Fall, sinks as a synonym of Haplegis tarsata. Fall.
Siphonella oscinina. Fin. — This was recorded as British by various old
writers and may be re-instated in the " List," for I have seen specimens from
Herefordshire, taken by Dr. Wood, from Cambridgeshire, taken by Mr. C. G.
Lamb, from Glamorgan, taken by Col. Yerbury, and I caiight a specimen myself
at Tuddenham (Suffolk) in August, 1906.
*Siphonella tristis, L. — This species with halteres and antennae dark and
proboscis not so long as in oscinina is not uncommon at Walton-on-Naze (Essex)
in June, I have also taken it in Suffolk and Col. Yerbury found it at Gravesend
(Kent) and again at Porthcawl (Glamorgan). Becker considers it a synonym
of nigricornis, v. Eoser, however v. Eoser's description of six words is not only
hopelessly inadequate bixt does not agree in as much as the front tarsi are never
black in tristis.
*Siphonella longirostris, Lw. — We possess Loew's species in England xuiless
there are two or more species with dull brownish-grey thorax, shining black
pleurae (except meso-and ptero-pleurae) and pale legs.
*Siphonella duinensis, Strobl. — The combination of svich characters as black
halteres, milk-white wings, a large vertical triangle and entirely pale tarsi
renders the distinguishing of this species an easy matter. I have had it
separated under a MS. name for some time past upon specimens taken in
Siiffolk(Woodbridge and Butley), Essex (Walton-on-Naze), and Kent (Belvedere
two specimens taken by Col. Yerbury). It was described by Strolil from
specimens taken in the lagoon of Diiino near Trieste.
*Siphonella pumilionis, Bjerk. — This is a most distinct yellowish species
with almost confluent dark stripes on the thorax (like a Chlorops). I have seen
only thr(!e British specimens, one taken by Mr. Verrall at Abbot's Wood (Sussex)
on Jime 28th, 1867, another by Dr. Capron probably near Shiere (Surrey), and
a third by Dr. Sharp in the New Forest (Hants)
Siphonella capreola, Hal. — This is now recognised as an Elachijptcra
(Melanochseta) and is identical with aterrima, Strobl.
* Siphunculina xnea, Mcq. — A male was found by Mr. Verrall at Cusop
Dingle (Herefordshire) on July 11th, 1905, and a female at Eingmer (Sussex)
on April 17th, 1867. I do not iinderstand why Becker refuses to accept the
generic name Siphunculina ; Eondani sufficiently differentiated the genus in 1856
and evidently used the name Madiza in the sense we use Siphonella ; moreover
in Bigot's collection under the name Siphunculina brevinervis Eond. there is a
specimen labelled "Typ" (probably sent to Bigot by Eondani) wliich is a speci-
men of S. senea, ^Mcq.
N
150 [July,
*Oscinis nitidissima, Mg-. — This is a small black species resembling 0. frit,
L, but the thorax is bi-illiantly shining" and the anterior tibise more extensively
pale. It does not appear to be uncommon in different parts of Sixffolk in June.
Oscinis anthracina, Mg. (atricornis, Zett.). — This again is not uncommon
in England (Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Herefordshire) and Scotland
( Invernessshire) in June and July. It resembles the last species but is of
narrower build and the legs are entirely pale.
*Oscinis cognata, Mg. {gilvipes, Lw.). — I have taken this very distinct species
at Brandon (Siiffolk) in June and at Chippenham Fen (Cambs.) at the end of
May, and there were a number of specimens in the late Dr. Capron's collection
probably taken near Shiere (Svirrey). The strongly punctate thorax, entirely
pale legs, and somewhat short wings tinged with yellowish-brown serve to
distinguish it from any other species.
*Oscinis Ipevif ro7is, hw. — This most distinct species is easily recognised
by its very lai-ge and brightly shining black frontal triangle, its shining black
thorax with pubescence appearing pale in some lights, its brownish-yellow
antennse and pale legs with femora and tibioe more or less darkened. Col.
Yerbury took a male at Nairn on July 6th, 1904.
*Oscinis sordidella, Zett. — This has the thorax somewhat greyish, face
jowls, frons extensively, and antennse yellowish, and legs entirely pale yellow.
I took one male and two females of this species (which I consider quite distinct
irova. frontella. Fin.) at Orford (Suffolk) in June, 1907, and a female near Eyn-
sham (Oxfordshire) on July 3rd, 1910.
* Oscinis frontella. Fin. — I recognise this as a small shining black or slightly
greyish-black species, with the belly of the female pale, partly pale antennse,
frons narrowly pale in front and legs dark, with pale base and tip to the tibiae,
and pale tarsi (sometimes in what is possibly a variety of the female the legs are
entirely pale). I have seen specimens from various localities in England and
Scotland. Becker has undoubtedly included several species under this name.
Oscinis fasciella, Zett. — I have no hesitation in considering this species
distinct from frontella Flu., it is a small grey species with pale antennae, face
and frons in front, abdomen with pale hind-margins to the segments, and con-
siderably pale at the base, the four anterior legs pale, the hind femora and a
broad ring on the hind tihiiB dark, the hind tibiae bear a distinct black spur at
the tip. I caught it at Aldeburgh (Suffolk) in September, 1907, and Col. Yerbury
has found it at Gravesend and Dartford (Kent) and Walton-on-Naze (Essex).
Oscinis prateiisis, Mg. — Col. Yerbiuy caught five specimens of what I believe
to be this species at Torcross (Devonshii-e) in Augiist, 1903. It was recorded as
occurring in Britain Ity Ciu'tis, bvit has since been relegated to the List of
Reputed British species. It resembles my frontella. Fin., but is somewhat
stouter and larger (2-2.2 mm.) and is clothed with somewhat long yellowish-brown
pubescence.
Oscinis alhipalpis, Mg. — This species, like the last, has been reputed to
occur in Britain ; specimens taken by myself in Sviffolk appear to answer to
Becker's interpretation of the species : it may be known by its black antennae,
pale palpi, face and front of frons, its greyish-black thorax with black pubes-
c enc?, and its partly pale legs.
!«"•] 151
Oscinis trilineata, Mg. (anmdifern, Zett.). — I have caught this spocios at
Chipijeuhain Fen (Caiubs.) and Barton Mills (Suffolk) in the early spring-, and
Col. Yerbury has taken it at Fordingbridge (Hants) in May. It has a dark grey
thorax with three (or really five) bro^vn strijjos, the frons might almost be
described as having two brown stripes, and the scutellum is bro-wn at each side,
the shining blackish abdomen is broad and flat, and has gi-eyish spots at the
hind corners of eacli segment, the wings are rather short and the veins strongly
marked. The hind tibiae bear a minute black spiir at the tip. It was in the List
of Reputed British species as Siphonella trilineata
Oscinis (Notonaulax) cincta, Mg. — This species has tliree impressed lines on
the thorax, and resembles the next species, but is larger and darker, and all the
bristles are usually black, though the pubescence appears pale in most lights.
The sexes differ in the coloiu- of the legs, which are entirely pale in the female,
but in the male the femora are dark except at the tip, and the four posterior
tibiae, more especially the hind pair, are darkened about their middle. I possess
it from several localities in Suffolk and Essex, and have seen specimens from
Cornwall and Scotland. Zetterstedt's 0. sulcella is the male of this species. The
genus Notonaulax has been suggested by Becker for those species of Oscinis with
impressed lines upon the thorax, bvit there seems to me to be every gradation
from deeply impressed lines as in cincta and lineella to merely indications of
lines, owing to a slight increase in the punctuation, which indications are some-
times accentuated by thoracic stripes of a darker colour as in trilineata.
*Oscinis (Notonaulax) lineella, Fin. — Like the last species but smaller and
paler; thorax yellowish- grey, with all bristles of a yellowish colour; legs pale,
with a slightly darkened band on the four posterior femora and tibiae, the hind
tibiae appearing to have two narrow dark bands ; abdomen, pale at base and with
pale incisures ; belly, pale. It is not at all uncommon at Newmarket (Suffolk)
in September, and occvxrs on windows.
Dicrseus raptus, Hal. (obscurus, Lw.). — The genvis Dicrieus, as redefined by
Becker, includes those species of Oscinis with a very long radial (second
longitudinal) vein, making the second costal segment three to four times the
length of the third, and a head deeper than long, with wide jowls and somewhat
retreating face ; the male abdomen is somewhat more tubular than in Oscinis.
The above species is the Oscinis rapta of the List, and may be known by the
absence of the postical crossvein ; the costa barely reaches the discal vein, the
femora and hind tibiae are darkened, and the pleuras are shining black or dark
brown.
*Dicrxus vagans, Mg. — I have always considered that a species I find not
uncommonly in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk in Jtine was Meigen's 0. vagans.
Its chief characters lie in the pale legs and extensively pale pleura; whicli are
shining about the middle ; the abdomen and the male hypopygium is also more
or less pale. I have seen a specimen with the postical crossvein missing, as in
raptus, but the jowls are deeper than in that species. Continental specimens of
rufiventris that I have examined have thejjleurae entirely dull and are altogether
darker, except for the abdomen. I cannot, therefore, agi'ee with Becker in con-
sidering vagans a synonym of that species. 0. xanthopyga, Strobl, is, however,
probably a synonym.
X 3
152 [July.
*Dicrpeus tibialis, Macq. — Col. Yerbiiry caught this species at Porthcawl
(Glamorgan) in Jiine, 1906. It has the front legs only and the base of the
abdomen i^ale. From an examination of long series of this and the last species
I have come to the conclusion that they cannot be considered varieties of
pallidiventris, Macq., or rufiventris, Macq.
Li-para rujit arsis, Lw. — I have seen specimens in the Dale Collection, now
at Oxford, which were taken in the New Forest (Hants) and Seaton (Devon) in
June, it should therefore no longer appear in italics in the " List." It is a much
smaller and blacker species than lucens, with short whitish pubescence.
Macquart's G^ymnopoda tomentosa cannot be this species, because he described it
as " Noire, a duvet jaune," and gave the size as " 3 Kg.," both of which
characters apply only to lucens, Mg.
*Elachyptera tuberculifera, Corti. — Eesembles E. cornuta, but the thorax is
somewhat duller though the lines are not so deeply punctate, the vertical tri-
angle is longex", the arista is stouter, and the scutellum is longer with about six
marginal bristles xipon tubercles more distinct than in cornuta. I have seen
one female only taken by Mr. F. Jenkinson at Crowboro' (Sussex), on August
27th, 1907.
*Elachyptera megaspis, Lw. — I first foimd this si^eeies not imcommonly
in the neighbourhood of Swanage (Dorset) in Aiigvxst, 1906, but have seen
specimens from Devonshire, Sussex, Surrey, Cambridgeshire and Sviifolk. It
may be known Ijy its elongate scxitellvim with about six marginal spines placed
upon yellowish tiibercles, its yellowish humeri, postalar calli and plevu'se round
the root of the wing. The legs are pale yellow with brownish front tarsi.
*ElacMjptera scrohiculata, Strobl {trapezina, Corti). — This species is not
uncommon at Chippenham and Wicken Fens (Cambridgeshire) in the first three
months of tlie year. The black head with only the faintest tinge of red about
the antennce, the flat punctate scutellum with a trtmcate tip, the brownish legs
and wings, and the somewhat pollinose thorax serve to distingixish the species.
Becker places it in the genus Oscinis, but from its general appearance and the
chsetotaxy, one must consider it an Elachyptera, in spite of the only slightly
incrassated and shortly pubescent arista.
* Elachyptera jjuhescens, Thalhammer. — This has a smooth pollinose and
not strongly punctate thorax and scutelhun, and large loroininent yellow palpi.
It was not uncommon at Stvidland (Dorset), in August, 1906, and Col. Yerbury
found it at Christchixrch (Hants), in May, 1908. Corti places it in a separate
genus Lasiochxta.
Melanochseta [Elachyptera) capreola, Hal. (aterrima, Strobl.). — This is very
much like the small black species of Oscinis, btit has a flattened and thickly
pubescent black arista. I found it at Whittlesford (Cambridgeshire), on June
17th, 1909. Haliday's description was as follows: "0. nigra nitida, fronte
" opaca triangulo nitido ; alis f uliginosis ; halteribus fuscanis ; arista crassa
" dense pliunata. Eesembles 0. Isevigata, but the arista as in 0. cornuta." The
character of the dark halteres is sufficient in itself to identify this Elachyptera,
all the other species having pale halteres. I believe this species is generically
distinct from Elachyptera.
*Gaurax e2)hippi^mi, Zett. — Three females taken in the New Forest (Hants)
1811.] 153
answer in all respects to this species ; three males taken at Wliittlesford
(Cambs.), New Forest, (Hants), and Porthcawl (Glamorgan) woiUd appear to
represent G. fascipes, Becker, having only one dark spot on the plem-cfi (a streak
on the meso-pleiu-a) and the hind tibia3 with a dark ring- near the base, but
everything points to these characters being only sexiial.
Selachops flavocinda, Wahlbg. — I have not seen a British specimen of this
genns which is now placed among the Agromysidas.
(To be continued).
A NEW BRITISH HALIPLUS.
BY FRANK BALFOUR BROVPNE, F.Z.S.
Since the appearance of the paper by Edwards, entitled, " A
Revision of the British Species of Hallphts, Latreille" (Ent. Mo.
Mag., xlvii, pp. 1 — 10, Jan., 1911), I have been working out my
material, and find that I have a species of the " nt/?coZZis-group "
which is not included in that paper.
The male is at once distinguished by the form of the sedeagus, which
differs from that of all the other species of the group, and it has the
claws of the anterior tarsi practically equal in length, which separates
it from riificollisjfulvicollis, wehncJcei, and immacuJatus. One easily seen
character also distinguishes it from all the seven species of the group, and
that is the shape of the basal segment of the median tarsi. This
segment has a very noticeable curve when viewed laterally, and gives
the impression of a portion having been neatly taken out of the inner
margin.
I believe that the female has the interstrial spaces of the elytra
finely punctured throughout, as described by Edwards, for the female
of H. ruficoUis, De G.
The species occurs in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and so far
as my experience goes, it is found in lakes and canals, and large drains
of clear water.
I am now preparing a somewhat detailed paper on the Halipli of
the i-nficoUis-grouTp, as there are several points upon which I do not
agree with Mr. Edwards, and in that paper I intend giving a full de-
scription of this additional species, if it should prove to be new to
science, a point I have not yet made certain of. In the event of its
being new I propose to name it Haliplus nomax.
Holywood, Co. Down :
MoAj 2^rd, 1911.
154 [July.
PEELIMINAEY DlAaNOSBS OF SOME NEW GENERA OF
BLATTID^.
BY R. SHELPORD, M.A., F.L.S.
The name PhyUodromia being occupied in the Biptera, it is evident
that it cannot stand also for a genus of cockroaches. In 1903, Mr. A.
N. Caudell proposed the name BJattella as a substitute for Phylludromia,
Serville, the type of the genus being the Blatta (jermanica of Tiinuseus.
Most Orthopterists followed his lead, but I confess that I was not of
the number. It had long been obvious that the genus PhyUodromia
of Serville stood in urgent need of revision and sub-division, for it
had become nothing but a diunping- ground for species which would
not fit into the other genera of the sub-family. As I did not see my
way clear to a useful revision of this heterogeneous assemblage of
species, there appeared to be no particular object to be gained by sub-
stituting BlatteUa for PhyUodromia in the case of species which
evidently were not strictly congeneric with germanica, L. The ill-
considered transference of names in zoological nomenclature is a
fruitful source of irritation, and many zoologists apparently fail to
realize that the substitution of a new name for an old one is not always
the only thing needed to reduce confusion to order. If they did
realize it they would avoid such scandals as the alteration of the name
of a British bat three times in less than that number of years.*
My refusal to follow Mr. Caudell' s lead evoked some rather caustic
criticism on the part of that entomologist in the pages of the Pro-
ceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, and as the
Washington Entomological Society refused to give me a hearing in
the pages of their publication, I may perhaps be excused for publishing
in this Journal something in the nat\u-e of an apologia.
As the result of examining the types of several critical species, I
have come to the conclusion that PhyUodromia, Seiw., can be split up
into at least six genera, one of which is BlatteUa, Caud., and PhyUo-
dromia may now safely be relinquished to the Dipterists.
The following are short diagnoses of BlatteUa and of the new
genera : —
BlatteUa, Caud.
Antennse setaceous. Tegmhia and wings exceeding the apex of the abdo-
" The nomeiiclatui-e of the Mammalia is, however, in such a state of flux that no man
knoweth from one day to another what the recognised scientific names of such well-known
animals as, for example, the Chimpanzee and Barbary Ape, really are.
IP"-] 155
men. Teymina with lonjj^ituilinal discoidal sectors. Wings with the antorior
part rather narrow, scarcely taperin<»- to the base, ulnar vein'simple or Infurcate,
very rarely tri-ramose, no apical triangle. Front femora armed on the anterior
margin beneath with a complete row of spines, the more distal shorter than the
more proximal (Type A). Sexes similar. Ootheca goriaceous, carried by the
female with the suture directed to one side.
Type of the genus : Blatta germanica, L.
NeohlatteUa, gen. n.
Resembles Blattella, but differs in the following points : the anterior part
of the wing is broader, especially at the apex, and tapers towards the base ;
the iilnar vein of the wings is ramose. The apical triangle is inconspicuous or
absent.
Type of the genus : Blatta adspersicollis, Stal.
Margattea, gen. n.
Differs from NeohlatteUa in the armature of the front femora ; these are
armed on the anterior margin beneath with 3 to 5 strong spines succeeded dis-
tally by a close-set row of minute piliform spines (Type B).
Type of the genus : Blatta ceijlonica, Sauss.
Supella, gen. n.
Sexes dissimilar. Male rather narrow and elongate, with the tegmina and
wings extending considerably beyond the apex of the abdomen. Tegmina with
the discoidal sectors oblique. Wings with the ulnar vein ramose, no apical
triangle. Front femora armed after Tjrpe A. Female shorter, broader, more
convex, resembling certain species of Ceratinoptera ; tegmina and wings not
exceeding the apex of the abdomen ; idnar vein of wing ramose. Ootheca
chitinous, carried with the svitvu-e directed iipwards.
Type of the genus : Blatta supellectilhim, Serv.
Eohlatta, gen. n.
Sexes similar. Form not conspicuously narrow and elongate. Tegmina
and wings not exceeding the apex of the abdomen by much. Tegmina with
the discoidal sectors obliqiie. Wings witli the anterior part broad, tapering to
the base, ulnar vein ramose, apical triangle inconspicuous or absent. Front
femora armed after Type B.
Type of the genus : Blatta notidata, Stal.
Chorisohlatta, gen. n.
Tegmina with the discoidal sectors oblique. Wings with the anterior part
broad and tapering to the base, ulnar vein ramose, a large, well-marked apical
triangle. Femora armed after Type A or Type B, remaining femora strongly
armed.
Type of the genus : Blatta lit ur if era, Stal.
156 fJ»iy>
•
This g-euus is erected for some of those species which have been
included in the genus Pseudectobia, Sauss. The type of Pfeudectohia
is luneli, Sauss., a small species with the femora very sparsely armed
as in the Ectobiinse, and with a small and ill-defined apical triangle.
It is a puzzling species, ^nd the only specimen that I have seen is the
very shattered tyj^e preserved in the Geneva Museum, but it is plainly
not congeneric with liturifera, Stal, and indeed is more suitably
placed in the Ectobiinx. I must own to consideraljle alteration of
opinions about the species of Pseudectobia, and I should like to cancel
a good deal of that which I have written about the genus. In ex-
tenuation I can only plead that the author of the genus, de Saussure,
was very vague himself about its limitations, and has brigaded under
its heading a number of widely separated species belonging both to
the Ectobiinas and to the Pseudomopina} [^^ PlujUodromiinie]. In a
more extended memoir I hope to clear vip all the confusion definitely,
having now examined all the types I am in a better position to do so
than formerly.
A few words are necessary to explain the systematic position of
the genera LiosU/pha, Stal, and Mareta, BoL, both of which have by
some authors been considered as synonymous with PhyUodromia, Serv.
LiosUpha lyumicata, Stal, the type of Liosilpha, is a very broad, short,
and rather convex species, with the discoidal sectors of the tegmina
olilique, the ulnar vein of the wings ramose, no apical triangle, and the
front femora armed after Type A, the tegmina and wings do not exceed
the apex of the abdomen, and the species has very much the appear-
ance of an Allacta. In my opinion the genus can stand.
Mareta, Bob, resembles Eoblatta, mihi, but the marginal field of
the tegmina is much broader, and the front femora are armed on the an -
terior margin beneath with minute piliform spines only. Onychostylns,
Bob, is imdoubtedly synonymous, the genus was based (as indeed was
Mareta, too) on secondary sexual characters of the male sex, eminently
untrustworthy characters for generic discrimination. An examination
of the type, 0. tmyuiculatus, Bob, shows that in all other important
details of its anatomy it agrees with Mareta. A considerable number
of species described under PhyUodromia I find to be true species of
Mareta.
1, Clarendon Villas, Oxford :
June mi, 1911.
1911.] 157
Electric Light as an attraction for Beetles and other insects. — The attrac-
tiveness of artificial li^ht has long been knowTi to Lopidopterists, who have
found it an excellent means of obtaining species otherwise less easy of capture.
So far, however, as insects belonging to other Orders are concerned, little
advantage seems to have been taken of their weakness in this respect, although
tlie knowledge of it is widespread. Here and there in Entomological literature
may be found scattered i-eferences to the habit of certain species to enter houses
or business premises when lit up; e.g., Canon Fowler (Col. Brit. Is., Vol. I, p. 49)
names Harpalus calceattis, Stiu-m, in this connection. As yet no attempt seems
to have been made to study the subject with any degree of thoroughness,
possibly through fear that the result woiild not justify the labour involved.
This is the case with " sugaring," which does not pay in any Order except the
Lepidoptera, the number of species of all Orders outside it known to come to svigar
not being sufficient, or of such rarity, as to make it worth while to use this means
to obtain them. In the follo-.ving notes, Avhich have been put together in a
somewhat hasty manner, I hope to show that artificial light is not unworthy
the attention of Coleopterists, and that my experiences with Electric light may
prove xisoful in suggesting a form of collecting which is inexpensive, requires
no special apparatus, may be employed within a shoi't distance of home, and has
the additional merit of being new and gloriously iincertain in its results. Soon
after the electric light was introduced into this borough (Barnsley, S. W. Yorks)
a specimen of Necrodes littoralis, L., a species I had not then met with, which
had been taken at an electric lamp, was brought to me. From that time I have
spent a considerable portion of the few evenings when I had the leisure to do so,
in examining the insects which are attracted to the arc lamps, my observations
have been mainly confined to a stretch of lamps on a straight line of road leading
almost due north from the centre of the town to within one qiiarter of a mile of
the borough boundary. The most productive spot is an obelisk which supports
lamps on the northern and southern sides. Cariously enoiigh the northernmost
lamp which stands on high ground and commands a wide expanse of open
coiintry, a situation which one would expect would give it special advantages,
has i^roved the least productive. No special time has been chosen for making a
round of the lamps, opportunity has determined whether they were visited at all
or not, and also if visited, the number of times. The most I have gone has been
fovxr times each way in one night ; the least once only on my way home. The
following is a list of the principal species met with since I commenced making
observations, and must not be supposed to relate to 1910, which was a most
unprofitable year for this and other kinds of collecting, although some of the
species met with were not without interest. They are easily divisible into
two groups: —
(I). Those species to whom the light is the primary attraction, and
(II). Those to whom this attraction is secondary, the primary attraction
being some of the species in the first groups.
Taking this last group first, as the mimbers are fewer and of lesser relative
importance, it is intei'esting to note how quickly both bats and cats have
discovered the value of the lights as points of attraction. Even in busy streets
158 [July,
the shrill cry of a bat is not uncommonly heard as it flies from lamp to lamp
taking its toll of the insects which swarm around them. CarahxLs violaceus, L.,
and C. nemoralis, Mull., the commonest species of the genus in this district, are
frequently seen at the foot of the lamps foraging within the bright circle of light.
But the sjjecies which seems to have made the best use of the lamps, or, at any
rate, is most regularly fomid at them and in large numbers is Pterostichiis
madidus, F. The rarest species hitherto met with in this group is Cychrus
rostratus, L. It is an uncommon insect in the Barnsley district, indeed, I do not
think I have seen a dozen examples all told within a three miles radius of the
centre of the town. Two of these had most certainly been attracted within
the circle of light at the base of the lamps, one of them being so far from a
natural habitat as to represent quite a long walk, or some external aid in order
to reach the thickly jjopidated part in which it was found.
Dealing now with the first and more important group, the beetles, whose
presence occasion most surprise, belong to the Hydradephaga, and their freqiient
occvirrence at light has led me to the following conclusion with regard to their
presence in another, and seemingly very different situation. Water beetles have
frequently been observed on the glass roofs of greenhouses and other buildings,
and the only explanation, so far as I am aware, which has been oiierred for their
presence, is the plausible one that the beetles having mistaken the glass roof for
a sheet of water, have fallen on it, been stunned and rendered incapable of
further movement. The explanation I would substitute for this is not open to
the objection which may be raised against the older one, viz,, the absence of
injury which one would expect to find after a fall from a height sufficient to
stun the insect, and the absence of the signs usually associated with insensibilty.
Insects taken at electric light, or on a glass roof, after a moonlight night are
usually perfect and active, but exhibit no desire to get away from the immediate
neighboiirhood where they are found.
jEschna cyanea, Mull., with the splendid powers of vision possessed by dragon-
flies, once settled on an electric light standard may be approached and picked
off without making the least attempt to escape. Although it has not in any way
struck either the light or the standard its behaviour in no way differs from that
of water beetles foimd at the base of the standard, or on a glass roof. It is
therefore, I conclude, more probable tliat all these cases are due to the attrac-
tiveness of the light, in the one case of the electric lamp, and in the other of the
moon reflected by the glass roof. It is unwise to reason from the specific to the
general, but I would suggest that the unconscioiisness of danger which these
insects evince is due, not to any shock which they may have received, but to
their powers of sight having been rendered ineffective by reason of their
concentrating it vipon the light, just as our own sight may be reduced in value
by looking at any strong light. It should be noted that those lamps which give
a light similar to moonliglit are the ones preferred by insects, or which are most
attractive to them. It is a veiy rare occiirrence to see an insect of any kind at
or near a lamp which gives rose-tinted or yellow light. This, I think, is a further
confirmation of my theory.
Occasionally a species appears to swarm. One night not a specimen may be
seen and the next the standards, and the circles of light at their bases, will be
idii. 1 1 59
swarming with Amara a^jricaria, Payk., or Ilyhius ater, De G., these two insects
being the most noticeable for this peculiarity. For the first named species the
date recorded for several years ranges between the last week in May to the first
week in Jnne. I have no special note about the other species, neither have I any
notes as to the predominence of either sex, an omission which I regret.
The largest water beetle hitherto met with is a female specimen of Acilius
sulcatus, L
The Staphylinidx are not as a rule much in evidence, perliaps tlie most
interesting sjjecies being Deleaster dichrous, Gr., of which I took a single specimen
of the var. leachii, Curtis.
The families more commonly represented ar<! Silphidx, Gcotrupidse and
Aphodiidx. Of the fij'st named I have already alluded to Necrodes, which is a
regular visitant and which I have never met with in any other way. Necrophorus
is represented by humator, Goeze, ruspator, Er., mortuorum, F., and vespillo, L.
They are named here in the order in which they commonly occur, some years,
however, vespillo may be as common as ruspator is scarce.
Silpha is usually limited to rugosa, L., and atrata, L., but very rarely
Ixvigata, F., puts in an appearance.
The species belonging to these three genera have a habit of flying round
the lamp in a gradually diminishing circle, then on alighting, they rush about
in a hurried, aimless manner, vuitil apparently satisfied with their position, they
setttle down and remain motionless, sometimes they are still there on the
following morning, hours after the light has been tiu'ned off.
The Geotrupidx furnishes bvit one species, G. spinigcr. Marsh., and the
Aphodiidse similarly with A. rujipes, L., which is a species I have also taken flying
by moonlight. Occasionally other species of this genus may be found, but siich
occiu'rences are rare. A noteworthy visitant is Serica hrunnea, L.
Of the other Orders I have referred above to ^^schna cyanea, Mull., which
is the only dragon-fly I have met with at light. It prefers the top of the
standard abovit a foot away from the globe, and having settled with its head
towards the light will remain for hours motionless except for an incessant but
faint quivering of the wings.
Ht/me7io2)iera are represented by variotis species of the Ichneumonidseoi which
I have no complete notes; Diptera mainly by Tipulidie and Anthomyidpe. Last
year the former family was very much in evidence, and particularly from Jtdy
to October, was more numerously represented than any other family of insects.
On the whole 1910 was a disappointing year, one missed so many of the moths
which hitherto had been regular visitants, and the commoner species Amphidasys
betularia, L., Tryphxna pronuha, L., Xylophasia polyodon, L., and Mamestra
brassicx, L.,although often present in comparatively large niunbers,were markedly
below their usual abundance.
Enough has been said to prove the possibilities of the method. If system-
atically and continuously practised by Coleopterists situated in suitable local-
ities and possessed of the necessary leisui-e there is every reason to believe that
the resiilts will justify their efforts. — E. G. Batford, 2, Eockingham Street,
Bamsley : April 2Uh, 1911.
160 [Juiy-
Additio7is to the Isle of Wight and Woolwich Lists of Coleoptcra — It may be
of interest to note in this Magazine the eaptiu-e of two additional species of
Coleoptera to the Isle of Wight List, viz., Galenicella calmariensis, taken by
Mr. John Taylor and myself at Alverstone, also a specimen of Tachyusa
umbratica on a wall at Sandown. I have also taken two species new to the local
list as given in " Woolwich Surveys," which covers most of this neighbourhood.
They are Bhynchites nanus, common by sweeping birch, Hayes, May 21st, and
Telcphorus (Rhagonycha) testacca, one bred from larvae taken on Hayes Common.
— Stanley A. Blenkarn, Norham, Cromwell Road, Beckenham : June 11th, 1911.
Barypithes pellucidus. Boh., in the Oxford District. — I took a considerable
number of this interesting weevil on the afternoon of Jime 1st, by sweeping
short soft grass under some pine trees at Hen Wood, Berks., about three
miles south-west of Oxford. It was exceedingly local, being apparently confined
to a space not more than twenty yards square, beyond which only a single
specimen (the first one taken) was foimd ; and it was evidently bred on the
spot, as all were beautifully fresh, some retaining their deciduous mandibles,
and a good many being pallid and immature. These specimens agree in all
respects with some kindly sent me as B. pellucidus by my friend Mr. J, H. Keys
from Ivybridge, Devon {ante, p. 131), and with others taken at Enfield, received
from Mr. C. J. C. Pool. B. pellucidus* is an addition to the Berkshire County
list of Coleoptera.
I have examined the specimens of the insect taken by Mr. Pelerin at
Tottenham, (on which B. pellucidus was intioduced as British) in the collections
of the Natural History Museiun and of Mr. G. C. Champion, and find they are
identical with those brought forward under that name by Mr. Keys ; in both
collections there are examples taken by the Eev. H. S. Grorham at Eastry, which
are undoubtedly conspecific with those obtained by the Eev. T. W. Wood at
Broadstairs, and by myself at the Blean Woods, Kent {ante, p. 130) and
described by Mr. Keys as B. dupUcatus. It would thus appear that the last
mentioned insect is a very local species, as yet only recorded as British from
East Kent. — James J. Walker, Oxford: June 10th, 1911.
Immigrant Insects in the Isle of Sheppey. — This evening I noticed the first
immigrant specimens of Pymmeis cardui of the year on the Sheppey cliffs.
Plusia gamma, in worn and faded condition, has been plentiful during the past
week in meadows and on the grassy sea-walls, but at Oxford it was observed as
early as May 28th. On June 13th, I took a 9 specimen of the somewhat
unconunon dragon-fly, Brachytron pratense (kindly named for me by Mr. A. H.
Hamm), on the sea-wall between Harty and Shellness. I am inclined to believe
that this is also an immigrant, the worn state of its wings indicating that it had
travelled a long distance, and its flight being so feeble that I had no difficulty
in catching it with my sweeping-net ; moreover, it is one of the last species one
would expect to find in the Isle of Slieppey, where the larger di-agon-flies are as
a rule very rare.— Id., Sheerness: June 17th, 1911,
mi.] 1(51
Gastrodes abietis, L., in the New Forest. — Last Easter I spent a week-end at
Brockenhnrst with my friend Mr. G. Arnold, and on April loth, while walkin<^
to Denny and Matley Bogs, we came upon a large spruce fir which had fallen
across the " Drift Road." On breaking open the last year's cones at the top of
the tree we found them tenanted by both our species of Gastrodes in some
numbers, G. abietis, L., usually much the rarer of the two, being uivich more
plentifvil than its congener G ferrugineus, L. — A. H. Hamm, Oxford: June 9th,
1911.
Hybos culiciformis. Fab., in Scotland. — In his " Diptera Danica,"
Dr. Lundbeck distinguishes clearly three European species of the genus Hybos.
I am not in a position to express an opinion as to the correctness of the
synonymy worked out by Dr. Lundbeck ; but taking the species as he gives them
I can record all three from Scotland. While this makes an addition to
Mr. Verrall's " List " of 1901, it does not appear to make an addition to our
records. Two species only are given in Mr. Verrall's " List " — grossi^es, L., and
femoratus, Miill. ; but the third species — culiciformis', Fabr. — has been recorded
'from Aberlady as far back as 1873 (" Scot. Naturalist," Vol. ii, p. 202), and has
been recorded since from Grlen Falloch and Loch Long in the West of Scotland
(Brit. Assoc. Handbook, 1909, j). 260) . Whether these records refer to culiciformis
as interpreted by Dr. Liindbeck I am unable to say. In my collection culiciformis
and grossipes were mixed together ; Schiner's remark under the latter species :
"Genitalien des miinnchens stark verdickt" (a character which applies only to
culiciformis as here recorded) being partly responsible for my mistake.
The three™pecies are quite distinct, as the specimens (comprising both
sexes of each species) now before me show, all agreeing perfectly with the
descriptions given by Dr. Lundbeck. I have culiciformis from Loch Tay, Aber-
foyle, and Comrie (Perthshire) ; Edinburgh, Glencorse, Arniston, and Polton
(Midlothian) ; and Aberlady (Haddington). The dates of captiire range from
July 2nd to September 11th (1903-1907) ; and most of the captures were made
by my friend the Rev. James Waterston, B.D., B.Sc. Femoratus has occurred
in most of the foregoing localities, and appears to be equally common. Grossipes
I have from only Aberfoyle, Blairgowrie, and Comrie (three (J <? and one ? in
all) ; it thus appears to be a rarer species than its congeners. — A. E. J. Carter,
Blairgowrie, Perthshire : 22nd May, 1911.
^oci?ti<?s.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, April 2~th, 1911. — Mr. W J. Kaye, F.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. P. A. Bvixton, of Tonbridge, was elected a Member.
Mr. Tonge exhibited a pupa case of JEgeria andrenseformis as found in sitxX
projecting from the burrow after the emergence of the imago. He had found
four such cases in nature. Mr. Kaye, a similar exhibit with the living imago
162 [July.
which had emerged in confinement. Mr. R. Adkin, a remarkable gynandroiis
specimen of Bomhyx qucrcus, with left antenna and wings ^ and ritjht antenna
and wings 9 , but of the c? colour, from the Capper collection. Mr. Newman,
a larva of Callimorpha dominula, black in colour without the yellow markings.
Mr. Andrews, two examples of the recently identified Dipteron, Hilara aeronetha,
from North Kent. Mr. St. Aubyn, photographs of Lepidoptera at rest. Mr.
Gough, a dwarf example of Celastrina argiolus. Messrs. Edwai'ds and Turner,
several species of Papilio from North America, of the machaon and glaucus
groujis. Mr. A. E. Gibbs gave an account of the arrangements for the S. E,
Union of Scientific Societies Congress at St. Albans in June. Mr. Main showed
a series of lantern slides illustrating his observations on the life-history of the
common myriapod, Lithohius forficatus.
Thursday, May 11th. — The President in the Chair.
Messrs. Harrison and Main oxhiliited a long series of Aplecta nehulosa and
its varieties, a lired series from rohsoni g and thompsoni ? which did not con-
form to the anticipated Mendelian proportions. 26 per cent, were grey, 42 per
cent, rohsoni, and 32 per cent, thompsoin, instead of 50 per cent, robsoni and
50 per cent, thompsoni. Messrs. R. Adkin, Harrison and Main, and L. W.
Newman, hybrids of Biston hirtaria and Nyssia zonaria. It was stated that ? s
had not yet been obtained in the cross £. hirtaria g and N. zonaria 9 • Mr.
Adkin read detailed notes on the characteristics of the liybrid specimens
shown hy liim. Mr. Gough, specimens of the arete form of Aphantopus hyper-
anthus from Kent and Surrey, together with intermediate and type forms.
Thursday, May 25f/i.— Mr. R. Adkin, F.E.S., in the Chair.
Mr. Hugh Main exhibited a living 9 scorpion received from the West
Indies, .with two young ones on its back, Avhere it was stated the parent
deposited them, and where they usually remained for two or three weeks.
Mr. W. West (Greenwich), called attention to the Society's collection of
Coleoptera, which had now been completely reset and cleaned, and to which
Messrs. Ashby and Ashdown had recently made numeroiis additions. Mr. H.
Moore, some Coleoptera received alive from the Orange Free State. Mr. R.
Adkin, a bred series of Nyssia zonaria reared from Wallasey, and called atten-
tion to the " laying over " of niimoroiis pupte for two winters and to the much
paler general coloration than usual of a number of the specimens. Mr. Blen-
karn, the Coleopteron, Myrmedonia funesta, and the ant it cohabited with,
Formica fuliginosa, from Sandown. — Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, May 3rd, 1911. — The
Rev. F. D. MoRiCE, M.A., President, in the Chair.
The President announced the death of two Fellows of the Society, the Rev.
Canon Cruttwell and Mr. W. A. RoUason.
The President informed the Society that the authorities of the Science
Museum had persuaded the Government to allow tliem to take a portion of the
land belonging to the Natural History Museum at South Kensington, for the
pui'pose of erecting new biiildings of tlieir own, thereby precluding much-needed
mi.] 1G3
additions to the Natural History Mnseuin, especially in the Entomological
Dei^artnient, and on the motion of Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, seconded by
Dr. Dixey, a i-esokition protesting against this appropriation was unanimously
passed, explanations of the disastrous conseqiiences to the Museiuu having been
given by Mr. C. O. Waterhouse and Rev. G. Wheeler, in addition to the proposer
and seconder. Mr. H. Eowland-Brown then moved that " If a depxitation be
appointed to wait on Mr. Eunciman with regard to this matter, the
OiRcers and Council of the Entomological Society desire to be represented on it."
This was seconded by Mr. Bethune-Baker and carried unanimously, and Mr. C
O. Waterhouse said that he ^vould see that it was made known in the right
quarters.
Commander J. J. Walker exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Geo. Brown of Coat-
bridge, Lanarkshire, living specimens of Helophorus txiberculatus, Gyll., hitherto
exceedingly rare as a British insect These were taken by Mr. Brown at the end of
April, walking about on bare dry peaty soil on the moors near Coatbridge.
Mr. O. E. Janson, a new and remarkable Lamellicorn beetle, belonging to the
Cremastochilides group of the Cetoniidx, in which the anterior tarsi were
unmistakably six-jointed. The specimen was received in a collection made by
Dr. Bayon in Uganda, and sent to him for determination by Dr. Gestro, the
Director of the Civic Museum, Genoa. Mr. C. O. Waterhouse suggested that
it was probably an abnormal si^ecimen, six-jointed tarsi being so far unknown in
Entomology. Mr. G. C. Champion expressed conctirrence in this opinion.
Mr. A. Harrison exhibited a drawer of Delamere Forest Aplecta nebulosa, bred
last year from var. robsoni i^ and var. thonvpsoni 9 by himself and Mr. H. Main.
He said : " Only fifty moths were bred, 26°/^ of the grey form, 42°/^. of rohsoni
and 32°/q of thompsoni. This result quite negatives our idea that the form
robsoni was a heterozygote, or hybrid (so called) and that the gi'ey form and
thornpsoni were homozygotes, or pure. We had been led to this conclusion by
the resvilts previously reported as being obtained by oiu'selves and by
Mr. Mansbridge. From a large bi'ood, both parents robsoni, we had previoiisly
bred 25°/ogrey, ol"/^ robsoni, and 24°/^ thompsoni, obviously Mendelian proportions.
From several broods, both parents grey, we had bred only the grey form. From
the grey form crossed with thompsoni, Mr. Mansbridge had obtained only
robsoni, and from the grey form crossed with robsoni he had bred 50°/^^ robsoni
and 50°/o grey. The results obtained last year show that the jjroblem is not so
simple as we had supposed, and that it will reqtiire further experiments before
it can be solved." Mr. Donisthorpe, thi-ee ? ? of Lasius mixtus, Nyl., a race of
L. umbratus, Nyl., and a ? of the latter for comparison. He remarked that
there were only two pi-evious records of its captiu-e in Britain. He pointed out
the difference between this race and umbratus, and said it was probably widely
distributed. He added that Mr. Evans had sent him ? t' and ^ $ from the
Isle of Moy to name. Mr. H. Rowland-Brown brought for exhibition examples
of Agriades thetis (bellargus) ab. ? coelestis, Obthr., taken last August at
Dompierre sur-Mer, Charente-Inferieure. He said that so far as is known at
present, this brilliant form of tlie blue V is confined in Western Europe to the
west and south-west of France ; roughly speaking between tlie valley of tlie
Loire and the Gironde, where it occurs locally not infrequently ; tlie blue
164 tJ"iy'
form of A. coridon ? , var. syngrapha, also being found in the same calcareous
region. Mr. W. G. V. de Kho-Philii^e exhibited and described several new
Indian butterflies, viz. : — E^iploea mulciher, var. J duarseri ; Charaxes raidhaka,
$ ; Euripus consimilis, new dimorphic ? torsa ; Cijaniris parishii, S ; Nacaduba
ardates, var. dima, S ; and an aberration ef Terias silhetana. Mr. H. M. Edel-
sten, three generations of Hybernia marginaria, being the result of a pairing
between a dark ^ and 9 taken wild in Epping Forest in 1908. The 1909 brood
did not vary much from their parents. The 1910 brood produced specimens
with dark margins, and three unicolorous males. The 1911 brood produced
specimens with lighter margins and dark interiors, but no unicolorous specimens.
The darkest males and females were paired in each case. These dark forms
have only appeared in Epping Forest the last few years. Mr. Gr. C. Champion
exhibited living specimens of Coryrnbites purpureus and Morlinus lugubris
taken by Dr. Chapman at Amelie-les-Bains, Pyrenees Orientales. Mr. L. W.
Newman showed a stick of Salix caprma containing larvae supposed to be those
of the " Wood Wasp." He pointed oiit that the larvae make caps like Aegeria
andrenssformis, and that the cocoon is exactly like that of a " clear-wing," and
the workings very like those of Aegeria. A discussion arose on this exhibit, in
which the President, Mr. Donisthorpe, Dr. Chapman, and other Fellows took
part, and in which widely different views were expressed even as to the
order to which the larvae in qur-stion belonged. Mr A. G. Scorer exhibited a
specimen of Hyloicus (Sphiii,x) pincistri, of whose British origin he had no
doubt. It was caught near Aldebtu-gh, and another specimen was taken
at the same time, biit this he had not seen. He also exhibited a gynan-
dromorphic specimen of Gonepteryx rhamni, taken by himself at Salisbiuy,
on September 2, 1894. It was evenly divided, the right side being 9 and the
left S ■ Dr. K. Jordan, some insects from India in one of Mr. Newnnan's relaxing
boxes, which had remained throxighout their journey as fresh as if just captured
and were in perfect condition for setting. He also exhibited the Saturniid moth,
Dysdxmonia Icadeni, in its resting attitude. The hindwings are for the greater
part concealed under the forewings, only the anal area and the tail projecting.
The abdomen being l^ent towards the left side, the insect in this attitude
resembles a crvmipled dry leaf, and recalls the much smaller Bombycid — also
exhibited — Sorocaba anomala, which, as is well known, assmnes a similar
attitude when at rest. He further exhibited a species of Cosmosoma, Family
Syntomidse, partly covered with a white wool. According to the collector (A.
H. Fassl), "the insect when touched ejects from a fold on the underside of the
abdomeii a white wool, which completely envelops the specimen." The hitherto
luiknown female of Ogyris meeki, Eoths., a Lyctenid from New Guinea was likewise
shown, together with the male and several Hypochrysops. Commander Walker
commiinicated the following papers : — " Some African and a few Aiistralian Acu-
leate Hymenoptera in the Oxford Mviseum," by the late Col. Bingham, with a
prefatory note by Prof. Poultou ; communicated by Eowland Turner. " A con-
tribution to the Life History of Hesperia (Syrichthiis) sidie," by Harold Powell.
" Biological Notes on Indian Pierine Larvae," by Capt. Frazer.
Conversazione, Wednesday, May nth, 1911, in the Eooms of the Linnean
Society, Burlington House, W. (by kind permission of the President and Council).
President, Rev. F. D. Morice.
1911.] 165
The Exhibitions were as follows : — In the Gallery of Library — Mr. W. J.
Kaye, Geographical and other forms of Heliconius melpomene and H. phyllis ;
Rev. George Wheeler, Butterflies of Eclepens ; Mr. G. E. Baldock, Living Stick
Insects ; Mr. Stanley Edwards (a) Butterflies of the genera Morpho and Caligo
(h) Exotic Coleoptera ; Mr. L. W. Newman, Living larvae and pvipae of British
Lepidoptera. In the Library — The Hon. N. C. Rothschild and Dr. Karl Jordan
(a) Gynandi-omori)hs, {b) chiefly of Exotic Butterflies: Papilionidae, from New
Guinea, including the magnificent Ornithoptera alexandrx, Roths., 0. tithomis,
DeHaan, Schoenhertjia paradisea, Stand., and S.^ieHe^io/iaZis, Roths. ; The Linnean
Society, Relics of Linneus ; Mr. James J. Joicey, Butterflies and Moths ; Dr. G. B .
Longstaff (a) Butterflies from Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, (b) Butterflies common to
England and the Sudan, (c) New Zealand Moths, (d) Moths common to England
and New Zealand ; Mr. C. P. Pickett, Results of 13 years inter-breeding Ange-
rona prunaria-. Miss Margai-et Fountaine, the genus Charaxes; Lord Avebury,
F.R.S., Instances of Mimicry; Prof. Selwyn Imag?, Old Entomological Books
of Interest ; Lord Avebary, F.R.S., Elytron of Beetle {Pachtjrrhynchus) under
the microscope ; Mr. H. M. Edelsten, The genera Leucania and Nonagria ; Prof.
E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., and Messrs. C. A. Wiggins, W. A. Lamborn, and E. G.
Joseph, Recent Observations in Mimicry in Lepidoptera; Mr. H. W. Andrews,
Some Examples of the Family Syrphidas ; Mr. W. C. Crawley, Observation
Nests of British Ants with Guests ; Mr. H. St. J. K. Donisthorpe, (a) Observa-
tion Nests of British Ants with Guests, (h) Ants and Myrmecophilous Insects,
(c) Myrmecophilous Acari and Coccidie under microscope ; Mr. F. Enock,
Photo-micrographs of New Species of British Mymaridae ; Messrs. A. Harrison
and H. Main (a) Boarmia repandata, local forms, (b) Melanic forms of some
common Moths, (c) Pieris napi and var. bryonias and hybrids; Mr. James
Edwai-ds, Photo-micrographs of Beetles ; Dr. T. A. Chapman, The last three
New European Butterflies ; Mr. R. M. Prideaux, A Method of Transferring the
Scales of Lepidoptera ; The Entomological Society, The Obligation Book of the
Society, with the Signattires of Queen Victoria and the Duchess of Kent, and
many others of interest ; The Hon. N. C. Rothschild and Dr. Karl Jordan,
Enlarged Model of the Tro^Dical Plagiie Flea {Xenopsylla cheopis) ; Mr. A. W.
Bacot, Living Fleas, with ova, larvae and cocoons ; Mr. H. Main, Stereoscopic
photogi'aphs ; Rev. George Wheeler, Water-colour Drawings of Swiss Butter-
flies ; Mr. H. Eltringham, the Original Drawings for the Plates of '• African
Mimetic Butterflies " ; Mr. F. Enock, new Species of British Mymaridse, vmder
microscope ; Mr. F. W. L. Sladen, Living Workei's of Sladen's British Golden
Bee ; Mr. Stanley A. Blenkarn, British Coleoptera ; Mr. B. C. S. Warren, Loiveia
alciphron var. gordius, ab. midas, both sexes ; Mr T. A. Lofthouse, Local forms
of Lepidoptera.
The following short Lectures were delivered in the Meeting Room : — •
At 9, Recent Discoveries in Insect Mimicry : Prof. E. B. Poulton. At 10, The
Tiger Beetle, Cicindela campestris : Mr. F. Enock. Both lectiu-es being illus-
trated with the lantern. — Hon. Secretaries -. Com. J. J. Walker, R.N., and Rkv.
George Wheeler, Sec. of the Conversaziotie Committee.
166 [-^^iiy.
A EEVISION OF THE BEITISH SPECIES OF LIODES, Latebille
{ANISOTOMA, Brit. Cat.).
BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.E.C.S., F.E.S.
Probably no genus, witli the exception of Trichopteryx, is less
understood, and therefore more neglected by British Coleopterists
than Liodes, Latr. (Anisotoma, 111.), and it is certainly one of the most
difficult on the list. I have been specially interested in it for years,
but it was with considerable hesitation that I determined to make a
table of the British species and thoroughly reA'iew the status of each.
This would have been impossible, but for the generosity of Messrs.
Champion, Donisthorpe, Commander Walker, and several others, who
have allowed me to retain for months all the specimens which I have
required from their collections, so that I have had ample time to
examine over three hundred specimens of such a difficult species as
L. dubia. Messrs. Champion and Donisthorpe have also kindly
helped me in many other ways. I have to thank Dr. Fleischer for
identifying many specimens, and it is with great regret that I find I
must disagree Math several of his conclusions (in cases where I believe
I am in as good a position as he to judge), in spite of his much longer
experience of the genus.
One of the causes of difficulty in the genus is the great variety in
size of the individuals of a given species, and a corresponding variation
in shape, the smaller specimens generally appearing wider in pro-
portion to their length than the larger. Then the old question as to
whether a form should be regarded as a species or a variety crops up.
But this in many cases must always remain a mere matter of opinion,
at any rate until breeding experiments are carried out, and the full
life-history of each form is kuowu. Dr. Fleischer regards L. obesa,
L. suhglobosa, and several other forms as varieties of L. dubia. Having
read his paper on L. dnhia and its varieties (Wieu. Ent. Zeit,. 1906,
p. 201) I feel bound to follow him, although I do not consider that
this opinion is necessarily final. Two forms could hardly look more
distinct than L. dubia v. obesa, and L. dubia v. bicolor, yet all the
intermediate forms can be foimd. Dr. Fleischer lays a good deal of
stress on the fact that he has taken all the forms in one spot, but I do
not think that this is of much importance in a genus like Liodes,
where many quite distinct species are often found in company. Then
again the fact of the sedeagus being of an identical shape in all the
forms under consideration must not be over-rated, as this organ is of
1911.] 167
a comparatively simple structure in this genus. I find tliat in Hetero-
thops binotata and H. jjrcvvia, which are without question abundantly
distinct species, the aedeagus is of precisely the same structiu-e, and I
expect there are many such instances. In the British list there is no
parallel instance of such great variation of form in one species as in
L. dnhia, and it is not approached in any other members of the same
genus.
Of the specimens which I submitted to Dr. Fleischer for identifi-
cation he returned four as L. brunnea, Sturm. I had regarded these
four as belonging to two species — a pair of each — and I can now
definitely state that this is the case, as, besides several marked
distinctions between thein, which I pointed out to Dr. Fleischer when
sending them to him, I now find that there is a difference in the
structure of the aedeagus. One of these is no doubt the true
L. brunnea, the original description of which is of little help, as it
might apply to many species of Liodes. I think we shall be quite
justified in regarding the specimens recorded by Eye under this name
(Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. ix, p. 135) as rightly identified, at any rate he
shows them to be the L. hnmnea of Erichson. Mr. Champion has
lent me one of these specimens, which was taken by Lawson at Scar-
borough. If we regard this as settled, the identification of the second
species is not diflicult. It matches the type of L. aJgirica, Eye, which
is in Mr. Champion's possession. I think it is probably not the
species which is known on the Continent as L. alcjirica, although
Dr. Fleischer saw Eye's type some years ago. Mr. Donisthorpe's
specimen (Ent. Eec. xxiii, p. 44) taken at Oxford last year, which was
named L. algirica by Dr. Fleischer, is a small L. dubia.
I have the pleasure of adding another species, not only to the
British list, but also to science, under the name L. stenocoryiihe. I
have described it from a pair taken by Mr. W. E. Sharp last year at
Forres, Inverness-shire. It is a most striking insect, related to both
L. trieplcei and L. curta, but is abundantly distinct.
Twenty-five species have been included in the following table, one
more than the total in Messrs. Beare and Donisthorpe's catalogue.
Besides L. algirica and L. stenocorijplie, L. lucens and L. fiavicornis
have been added since the catalogue was published. I have deleted
L. obesa and L. siviilata. L. obesa, as explained above, is considered
a variety of L. dubia. L. davidiana must also be regarded as a
variety of the same species, far removed from L. ohc'^a.
I discuss below my reasons for considering L. similata as a
o 2
168 [J'^iy.
A^arietj of L. badia. To preveut possible confusion, however, I should
like to draw attention to my note on this form in Ent. Mo. Mag.,
ser. 2, vol. xxii, p. 110, where I point out that the insect long known
under the former name on the Continent is a very different species,
and where I propose the name L. fleischeri for it.
The specimens of Liodes recorded by Rye (Ent. Ann. 1872, p. 66)
as having been taken by Dr. Sharp in Scotland, and named by the
latter " with tolerable certainty " as L. scifa are L. dnbia. There is no
reason to doubt that the specimen from near York introduced by Eye
" with some slight reserve " as L. scifa, is the same form of dubia.
The species we have hitherto known as L. vigrifa, Schmidt, is what is
now known on the Continent as L. scifa, Er. It is placed by Dr.
Fleischer in a sub-genus {Trichospliwrida) by itself on account of the
structure of the male genitalia.
I am retaining the name L. anglica. Rye, instead of L. oblonga,
Er., but whether this is really correct I have not been able to ascertain
to my satisfaction. At any rate, as I have pointed out before (Ent.
Mo. Mag., ser. 2, vol. xx, p. 219), this form is quite distinct from
L. cinnamomea.
I think any one with even a small knowledge of this genus will
admit that the main division into two groups according to the breadth
of the club of the antennae, and the comparative breadth of the last
joint, is c{uite comprehensible. If the antennal club of L. ralcarata or
L. triepkei be compared with that of L. ovalis or L. cinnamomea, a
marked difference will be seen at once. In the first group the club is
short and broad, the last joint being much narrower than the penulti-
mate. In the second group it is longer, narrower, and generally looser,
and the last joint is sometimes cjuite as broad as the penultimate, and
can never be said to be " much narrower." L. lunicollis is the only
species with an intermediate form of club ; this is somewhat elongate,
and not very liroad, bvit the last joint is distinctly narrower than in
other members of the narrow-clubbed group. L. dnbia v. obesa has a
rather broad club, but the last joint is quite as broad as the penulti-
mate. In L. curfa v. donisfhorpei the last joint is comparatively
broader' than in other members of its group, but the club is obviously
one of the broad ones. It must be remembered that the club of the
antennae is flattened, not cylindrical in section, and that these points
are not seen unless it is examined from one of the sides. In specimens
set with the antennae gummed down they are not seldom found on
their edge.
1911.] ' 109
Little notice has beeu taken of the breadth of the anterior tiljiae,
as it varies a good deal in individual specimens. However, such
species as L. triephei, L. ciliaris, and L. pattens have conspicuously
broader tibiae than L. ovalis and L. scita.
The sinuation of the base of the thorax is test looked for by
examining the beetle with the light coming from the sides and shining
full on the basal border, so that the actual margin can be clearly seen.
If examined with the insect facing the light the Ijasal margin is not
defined, and sometimes the base of the elytra is indistinctly seen
through the base of the thorax, making the latter appear sinuate.
By far the best method of judging of the shape of the thorax is
by examining it under a low power of the Zeiss " duplex " microscope.
If looked at with a small hand lens of short focal length directly from
above, the middle of the thorax being in the centre of the field of
vision, the rounding of the sides of the thorax, and the contraction
towards its base, are very imperfectly seen. Thus L. duhia v. subglo-
hosa appears to have the thorax broadest at the base, w^hereas the
" Zeiss " shows the greatest breadth to be just before the base. With
the hand lens the best results are obtained by examining one side-
margin of the thorax slightly from the side.
As in my table of the British species of Colon, I have avoided
reference to male characters, and have given these in a separate key.
The only species I have not been able to examine myself is L. clavi-
cornis. Dr. Sharp tells me that the original and only British specimen
is no longer in his collection.
TABLE OF THE BEITISH SPECIES OF LIODES.
1. Club of antenna broad, last joint much narrower than penultimate... 2.
— Club of antennae narrow and more elongate, last joint not or scarcely-
narrower than penultimate (see also L. lunicollis) 14.
2. Side margins of elytx-a with distinct outstanding hairs 24.
— Side margins of elytra without distinct oiitstanding hairs 3.
3. Interstices of elytra transversely striate L. rugosa, Steph.
— Interstices of elytra not transversely striate 4.
4. Thorax broadest at base, the base itself truncate 12.
— Thorax broadest before base 5
5. Base of thorax distinctly sinuate near posterior angles 6.
— Base of thorax truncate, or extremely slightly sinuate before posterior
angles g
6. Head large ; thorax broadest near middle ; legs and antenna; shorter •
striae of elytra finely punctured i. triepkei, Sclun,
1 70 [July,
— Head smaller ; thorax broadest near base ; legs and antennae longer ;
striae of elytra longer 7.
7. Club of antennae broader, dark, at least on the outer side ; base of thorax
more strongly sinuate ; striae of elytra more closely pimctixred ; under-
plate of posterior femora in $ with a large sharp lobe-like tooth at
apex ; in ? with a distinctly angled lobe even in very small un-
developed specimens L. calcarata, Er.
— Club of antenna} narrower, entirely reddish-testaceoiis ; base of thorax
less strongly sinuate ; stria; of elj'tra more remotely punctured ; under-
plate of posterior femora in both sexes broadly rounded...
L. macropus, Rye
8. Head large ; club of antennaj dark, very broad, last joint very small in
proportion to penultimate ; thorax strongly punctured, much widened
at sides and contracted behind, broadest about middle ; striae of elytra
very strongly pimctvircd ; last joint of posterior tarsi sub-cylindrical.
...L. stenocoryphe, sp. nov.
— Head smaller ; club of antenna) narrower, last joint broader in proportion
to penultimate ; striae of elytra much less strongly ptuictured ... 9.
9. First joint of posterior tarsi strongly widened at apex ; club of antennae
dark ; thorax as in L. stenocoryphe L. curta, Fairm.
— First joint of posterior tarsi sub-cylindrical 10.
10. Size larger (length, 3"5 — 4'5 mm.) ; club of antennae dark ; thorax not
much rounded at sides, strongly punctured L. silesiaca, Kr.
— Size smaller (length not exceeding 3-4 mm.) ; club of antennae reddish-
testaceous ; thorax finely punctured 11.
11. Posterior angles of thorax very blunt ; 2nd to 4th striae of elytra straight ;
antennae and legs longer, tibiae narrow L. lunicollis, Rye
— Posterior angles of thorax obtuse, btit Avell marked ; 2nd to 4th striae of
elytra sinuate ; antennae and legs shorter, tibiffi bi'oad...
L. pallens, Sturm
12. Average size smaller, form more convex ; chib of antennae testaceous ;
legs short and stout L. badia, Sturm
— Average size larger, form less convex ; club of antennae dark ; legs long
and slender L. litura, Steph.
13. Average size larger (length, 3'o — 6 mm.) ; form long oval ; elytra longer
in proportion to thorax 14.
— Average size smaller (length, 25 — 4'5 mm.) ; form short oval ; elytra
shorter in proportion to thorax 16.
14. Cliib of antennae black ; thorax broadest behind middle, anterior angles
(viewed from the sides) rather sharp right angles... L. cinnafnomea, Pz.
— Club of antenna concolorous with, or slightly darker than, rest; thorax
broadest at middle ; anterior angles obtuse and blunt 15.
15. Base of thorax truncate ; two outermost striae of elytra incomplete at
base ; side border of elytra strong and entirely visible from above.
...L. anglica, Rye
1911.]
171
— Base of tliorax slig-litly sinuate ; two oiitenuost strise of elytra complete
at base ; side border of elytra very narrow, not or scarcely visiljle in the
middle if viewed from above L. lucens, Fairm.
16. Thorax broadest at the actual base ; posterior angles sharp ; striae of elytra
very finely and not closely punctured; anterior tibiiB narrow 17.
— Thorax broadest before the base, and from thence parallel-sided or con-
tracted to the base ; posterior angles blunt 20.
17. Interstices of elytra with cross-striation 18.
— Interstices of elytra without cross-striation 19.
18. Form narrower ; club of antennae dark ; posterior femora simple in both
sexes L. parvula. Sahib.
— Form broader ; club of antennae light ; posterior femora with a sharp tooth
in S , and distinctly angled beneath in 9 L. flavicornis, Ch. Bris.
19. 3rd-5th striae of elytra strongly sinuate L. scita, Er.
— 3rd-5th strise of elytra not sinuate L. ovalis, Schm.
20. First joint of posterior tarsi long, tarsal claws very small ; club of antennae
loose, testaceous ; striae of elytra with very closely set and somewhat
irregularly placed punctiires ; thorax parallel-sided before base...
L. brunnea, Sturm
— First joint of posterior tarsi much shorter, tarsal claws larger 21.
21. Size larger; colour entirely pitchy brown or pitchy black; thorax more
strongly punctured ; club of antennae only slightly darker L. picea. 111.
— Size smaller ; colour ferriiginous, or if pitchy ferruginous, with the thorax
darker than the elytra ; thorax less sti'ongly punctured 22.
22. Antennae very short ; club very large and broad with last joint quite as
large as penultimate L. clavicornis, Eye
— Antennae moderate, club narrower 23.
23. Size larger; thorax less strongly contracted behind, more strongly and
closely punctured; shape and coloiu- very variable L. dubia, Kug.
— Size smaller ; thorax more strongly contracted behind, less strongly and
more diffusely punctured ; club of antennae not) dark L. algirica, Kye
24. Side margin of elytra set with long hairs; thorax broadest just behind
middle ; colour lighter L, ciliaris, Schm.
— Side margins of elytra set with short hairs ; thorax broadest just before
base ; colour darker L. furva, Er.
In his " Coleoptera of the British Islands," vol. Ill, p. 34, the
Rev. W. W. Fowler describes the structure of the posterior femora in
the males of Liodes. The posterior border of the femur is composed
of two plates, between which the tibia lies when fully flexed. The
upper plate terminates at the apex in a small rounded lobe, which is of
much the same shape in every member of the genus. The under plate
IIJ2 [J^iy- ^^1^-
varies very much in different species, sometimes corresponding; very
nearly to the upper plate, in other species being broadened into a large
tooth-like lobe at the apex.
TABLE OF MALE CHARACTEES.
1. Anterior and middle tarsi very strongly dilated L. silesiaca
— Anterior and middle tarsi slightly or moderately dilated 2.
2. Posterior tibiae almost straight or slightly curved or bent 3.
— Posterior tibiae strongly bent or curved 5.
3. Inner border of posterior tibiee evenly ciirved throughout 4.
— Inner border of posterior tibiae slightly bent at the junction of middle and
lower thirds ; under plate of posterior femora ending in a small lobe or
small right-angled tooth at apex... L. picea, L. furva, L. duhia, L. algirica
4. Under plate of posterior femora simple... L. parvula, L. hadia, L. ciliaris
— Under plate of posterior femora toothed at apex...
L. lunicollis, L. flavicornis, L. scita
5. Posterior tibiaj evenly curved throughovit or bent near middle 6.
— Posterior tibiae with a double curve, abruptly bent near apex 8.
6. Posterior femora lobed or toothed in middle, feebly so in small
specimens L. cinnamomea, L. anglica, L. lucens
— Posterior femora not lobed or toothed in middle 7.
7. Under plate of posterior femora with a large, sharp, tooth-like lobe at apex
...L. calcarata
— Under plate of posterior femora simple, or with a very small blunt lobe at
apex L. litura, L. ovalis, L. rugosa, L. macrop^is, L. hrunnea.
8. Under plate of posterior femora ending in a small lobe at apex, somewhat
corresponding to that at apex of iipper plate...
L. stenocoryphe, L. curta, L. duhia.
— Under plate of posterior femora simply rounded, but .slightly prominent...
L. triepkei, L. pallens.
(L. clavico'niis not inchided)
It seems advisable to give more detailed descriptions of several
species of the geniis, but some appear to me to be sufficiently well
known, and so are not included below.
L. calcarata. — This is by far the commonest member of the genus,
and is extremely variable in size and general appearance. It is not,
however, difficult to recognise by the characters given in tlie table.
The club of the antennae varies from almost black to reddish testaceous,
with the outer side of each joint fuscous, this latter being perhaps the
commonest form. It must be remembered that the antennae are some-
times turned over in setting, so that the dark portion appears on the
inner side. Dr. Fleischer has described a form (ruficortils) with entirely
light antennae. Every British specimen I have examined has at least
some trace of fuscous on the club. Very small examples (length 2 mm.)
generally have the posterior border of the thorax very distinctly sinuate.
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and the club of tlie antenuse very broad. In well developed males the
tooth on the posterior femora is very large and sharp, but sometimes
in the female also it is exceptionally conspicuous and acuminate. At one
time I thought these specimens were undeveloped males with almost
straight posterior tibiye, but dissection proved them to be females. The
thorax is nearly always rather darker than the elytra, and may be much
more so (v. nigrescens, Fleisch.), or even almost black.
L. triepTiei. — This is one of the most distinct species, recognised
by its broad roimded form, very large head, short antennae and legs,
and strong sinuation at the sides of the base of the thorax. Small
specimens of under 2-6 mm. occur, which seem to be a stiunbling- block
to many, but there should be no difficulty about them, as in these all
the distingviishing points appear to be accentuated. L. trlepliei is not
uncommon ; it is generally found, I believe, under fir trees, and has
been taken in great abimdance at Woking.
L. macropus. — The J of L. macropiis differs markedly from the
same sex of L. calcarata, but the $ ? of the two species are sometimes ex-
tremely difficu.lt to differentiate. The colour of theantennal club seems
constant, although it is a little darker than the rest of the antennae ; it
is, however, never fuscous or parti-coloured as in L. calcarata. The
lower plate of the posterior femora always shows traces of an angle in
L. calcarata, but is quite rounded in L. macropus. The punctures of
the striae of the elytra are placed farther apart in L. macropus, and
their shape is slightly different. The latter species generally has the
third joint of the antennae more evenly cylindrical, whereas in L. calca-
rata it is distinctly narrowed at the base. L. macropus is a very rare
species, which, as far as I know, has only been taken in Kent, Surrey,
Hants and Berks.
L. STENOCORYPHE, Sp. TIOV.
Oblong-ovate, ferruginous with head and thoi-ax darker ; head large, almost
as large as in L. triepkei, rather closely and distinctly punctured, with four larger
punctiires on forehead ; antenna? long, ferruginoiis with the club dark, the latter
broad, as broad as in L. calcarata, l)ut with last joint much narrower ; thorax a
little narrower than elytra, broadest at the middle, with the sides strongly con-
tracted before and behind, base with an extremely shallow sinuation at sides in
<J , truncate in ? , posterior angles obtuse, strongly and rather closely punctured ;
elytra twice as long as thorax, not much rounded at sides, stritB very strongly
and closely punctured, more strongly than in L. calcarata, interstices finely but
distinctly pimctured, alternate ones with a few larger punctures ; legs elongate,
tibiae narrow, tarsi long and slender. ^ . Under plate of posterior femoi-a with
a very small blunt lobe at the apex corresponding with the lobe on the upper
plate; tibiae with a double ciu-ve, and inwards near the apex as in L. cu7-ta;
P
174 [August,
Eedeagus broad, parallel-sided, except for a slight constriction in middle, apex
evenly roiinded, quite obtnse, side margins somewhat thickened. Length
2'75 mm.
From L. calcaratasindL.triejjkei the present species is distiu^aushed
by its practically truncate base of thorax, smaller last joint of antennae,
and more strongly punctured stria; of elytra ; and from the former also
by its larger head, more rounded sides of thorax, and very different (^ -
characters ; and from the latter by its longer legs and narrower tibiae.
From L. curta, the only other nearly allied British species, it may be
knowai by its larger head, much narrower last joint of antennae, more
strongly punctured striae of elytra, and longer and more slender first
joint of posterior tarsi. From L. disti/iguenda, Fairm., which also has
a large head and truncate base of thorax, it differs in its larger size, the
longer antennae, the more contracted thorax, the more strongly punctured
elytral striae, the longer legs, and the much more bent posterior tibiae
in the cj.
The aedeagus, too, is very distinct ; it is broader and more parallel-
sided, and more rounded at the apex than in any of the above species.
Mr. W. E. Sharp took a pair of this interesting insect last year at
Forres, Inverness- shire. I submitted the (^ to Dr. Fleischer, who
returned it as L. calcarata v. nigrescens, in spite of the markedly
different characters given above.
L. curta. — This is a rather broad species, with the sides of the
thorax strongly rounded in the middle, and distinctly contracted to the
base in typical examples. The elytra are nearly parallel- sided for
about two-thirds of their length, and sometimes appear to be dilated
behind ; in small specimens (and particularly in the var. donisthorpei)
they are shorter and more rounded ; the punctures of the striae are not
large, but are deep and placed very close together. The colour is dark
ferruginous, with the thorax generally darker. The club of the antennae
is hardly as broad as in the other members of the group, and the last
joint is not quite so narrow in proportion, so that this species may be
mistaken for one of the second group. It most closely resembles L.
picea, the distinguishing characters of which are given below, and
differs from dark specimens of L. duhia in having the thorax more
strongly rounded at the sides and contracted behind, and more strongly
ptnictured ; the tarsi are thicker, and the first joint of the posterior
pair is more strongly dilated at the apex. L. eurtoh appears to be not
rare in the Oxford district and near Hartlepool, where the type form
occurs, as well as the var. donisthorpei.
L. silesiaca. — A large species of a long oval form, most closely
inii.] 175
related to L. curta ; the thorax, however, is less rounded at the sides
and contracted behind; the striae of the elytra are more strongly
punctured; the tibioe are more dilated; and the first joint of the
posterior tarsi is much longer and more cylindrical, a character which
will also distinguish dark specimens from L. picea. The strong dila-
tation of the anterior and middle tarsi in the (J is a peculiar and
unique character.
I know of no other capture of this species besides that recorded
by the Eev. W. W. Fowler, and Dr. Sharp tells me that this specimen
is no longer in his collection.
L. hmicollis. — As stated above, L. hmicoUis may be included in
either group of the genus. It is an easily recognised species, as the
posterior angles of the thorax are more rounded and less marked than
in any other Liodes. The elytra are rather long and parallel- sided.
The (^ has a tooth on the posterior femora much resembling that of
the well-developed ? of L. calcarata, but the truncate posterior border
of the thorax, much narrower and lighter club of the antennae, and
much more roimded posterior angles of thorax will at once differentiate
L. hmicoUis. It may be distinguished from any of the narrow- clubbed
species by its more elongate and parallel- sided form, much more
rounded sides and blunter posterior angles of the thorax, and the ,^-
characters only resemble those of L. flavicornis. L. lunicoUis appears
to be a decidedly rare insect, but has occurred from the Isle of Wight
to Yorkshire and Lancashire.
L. iitura. — Another very variable species in size, the smallest
specimens being hardly two mm. long, no larger than L. hadia. The
antennae are longer than in L. calcarata, the only species it is at all
likely to be mistaken for, but the club, which is always black, is not
quite so large. Rye gave the name var. maculicoUis (Ent. Mo. Mag.,
Vol. XII, p. 152) to a specimen taken in Algeria which had a dark
thorax, with, only the posterior angles light, and a broad dark
suture to the elytra. He says the colour is more marked than in any
he had seen from Scotland, so that it appears that he hardly meant the
name to apply to the Scotch form. However, the latter is so distinct
in colour from the ordinary form that I think the name var. macidi-
collis is best applied to it as well. L. Iitura is one of the commoner
species. In the Bradfield neighbourhood it varies in numbers very
much in different years.
L. hadia. — Eye when describing Anisotoma similata (Ent. Mo.
Mag., Vol. VII, p. 8) writes " I should have hesitated in considering
p 2
176 [August,
tliis as other than an extreme form of A. badia if Dr. Kraatz had not
returned it to me as certainly distinct from that insect, and a good
species." In the example from F. Bates' collection, named by Eye,
the sintiation of the fourth stria of the elytra is well marked on one
side, and much less so on the other. I have specimens of L. haclia
only differing from this insect in having the fourth stria straight, and
others with the striae very slightly waved. There are others again with
an intermediate form of punctuation of the striae of the elytra.
L. anglica. — I need add nothing to my note already published as
to the distinguishing characters of this perfectly valid species. In
small examples the interstices of the elytra often appear almost trans-
versely rugose, but this rugosity cannot be mistaken for the transverse
striation present in X. rugosa and L. hyhrida.
L. lucens. — Normal sized specimens of this species could hardly be
confused with anything else but L. anglica ; very small individuals,
however, have much the same general appearance as L. macrojnts,
which has the club of the antennae broader, with the last joint
narrower in proportion to the penultimate, and the elytra shorter and
much more strongly punctured.
L. ovalis. — This species can generally be recognised, even in the
net, by its evenly rounded oval form. The club of the antennae is dark
and typically narrow. It could easily be confounded with L. diibia v.
sifhglohosa, but the j)Osterior angles of the thorax are much sharper and
nearly i-ight-angled, the striae of the elytra are more finely punctured,
and the first joint of the posterior tarsi is much longer.
L. hrunnea. — This is a very distinct species. It is somewhat
broad, parallel-sided, and entirely ferruginous ; the club of the
antennae is exceptionally long and loose ; the tho)'ax is very little
rounded at the sides, broadest near the base and from thence parallel-
sided, the posterior angles being obtuse, but well marked ; the elytra
are parallel- sided to near their basal half, the striae are finely and
very closely punctured, the third to fifth being irregular in contour,
as if too many punctures had been placed in a row and some had been
squeezed out of their place. The xxnder side of the middle and posterior
femora is very strongly and closely punctured, the punctures being
placed in rows. The very small tarsal claws constitute an important
character. The aedeagus terminates in a very sharp little point at the
apex. The long first joint of the posterior tarsi will at once distinguish
L. brunnea from L. dubia and L. algirlca, and the only other species
it can be compared with is L. ovalis. The latter has the club of the
1911.] 177
anteiinse darker, the thorax broadest at the base, with sharper posterior
angles, and the stripe of the elytra are more finely and not so closely
punctured. L. hrunnea is evidently a very rare species. The only
examples I have seen are from Scarborough (Lawson), Griiildford
(Champion), Oxford (3) (Walker and Tomlin). It has also occurred at
Mickleham (Marsh). Herr Eeitter has sent me a specimen of L. gallica,
Eeitt., which Dr. Fleischer regards as synonymous with L. hrunnea
(Wien. Ent. Zeit., 1906, p. 206). It agrees with L. hrunnea, and
therefore differs markedly from L. ahjirica (L. hrunnea, ex parte,
Fleischer) in having the first joint of the posterior tarsi long and the
claws abnormally small. It is impossible to give a definite opinion
whether it is specifically distinct from L. hrunnea from the examination
of a single specimen, but it differs in details which may possibly be
varietal, viz. : — the thorax is more rounded at the sides, and the
posterior angles are much blunter ; the elytra are not so parallel-sided,
and the striae are more strongly and not so closely punctured, the
punctures not being placed so irregularly. It is a male and has the
lower plate of the posterior fenuu- broadly rounded at the apex as in
L. hrunnea, but the summit of the convexity is very finely toothed.
The posterior tibiae and aedeagus resemble in structure those parts in
L. hrunnea.
L. picea.- — This a rather large, broad, and dark-coloured species.
It closely resembles dark specimens of L. duhia, but is larger and
stouter ; the club of the antennae is only slightly darker than the rest,
and the striae of the elytra are more closely and deeply punctui*ed.
From L. carta it is recognised by its usually darker colour, the narrower
and lighter coloured club of the antennae, of which the last joint is
broader ; the thorax is less rounded at the sides, and is broadest near
the base. L. picea is a very rare Scotch insect. Prof. Poulton has
most kindly sent me for examination two specimens taken at Forres,
from the late Mr. A. J. Chitty's collection, now in the Oxford
University Museum.
L. duhia. — Dr. Fleischer divides the forms of L. duhia into two
groups (Wien. Ent. Zeit., XXV, p. 201) : L. duhia and its alHes, and
L. obesa and its allies. He describes the thorax of the L. duhia group
as being broadest directly behind the middle, the sides being narrowed
before and behind this. I cannot agree with this description. In the
var. suhglohosa the thorax is broadest very near the base, and is hardly,
if at all, contracted behind. The typical form has the body oval and
moderately convex, and the thorax broadest shortly before the base and
J 78 lAngiist-,,
contracted behind. The colour is variable, some specimens being
entirely ferruginous with very slightly darker club to the antennae,
others are darker with pitchy head, thorax, and antennal club. In the
var. suhglohosa the body is short-oval and more convex than in the type,
and the thorax is less contracted behind. The colour is entirely ferru-
ginous, sometimes including the clul) of the antennae, or with the head
and thorax pitchy (var. bicoJor). The striiie of the elytra are generally
rather more finely punctured than in the typical form. It is very hard,
however, to give a definite name to many intermediate forms between
the typical one and v. suhglohosa. In both the posterior tibia is rather
variable in shape in the J* , the cuiwatures — especially the basal one,
which may be practically absent — being much less marked in small
individuals. A typical specimen of the var. ohesa is easily distinguished
from the above. It is more parallel- sided, with the thorax more ample ;
the club of the antennae is broader, with the last joint broader in pro-
portion, and is light-coloured ; the striae of the elytra are more strongly
and less closely punctured ; and the til)iw are more dilated. In the ^
the posterior tibiae are more strongly bent. I have seen a few examples
which seem to be quite intermediate between this and the typical form.
There is also a fairly constant form which somewhat resembles a very
large specimen of v. suhglohosa in shape, and in having the club of the
antennae narrower, but with the posterior tibiae of the i^ as strongly
bent as in v. ohesa. It is one of the forms which give rise to such great
difficulty in this species. Since writing the above, Mr. Champion
has called my attention to a short note just published by Grerhardt
(Deutsche Ent. Zeitschr., 1911, Heft III, p. 34'0). He gives two or
three further characters for L. ohesa, and states that he believes it
to be a good species. I do not find these new characters any more
constant than the others, and they are no help in the determination of
the curious intermediate forms.
L. algirica. — This is a somewhat unsatisfactory species, and might
be regarded as yet another variety of L. duhia. Typically it is con-
siderably smaller ; the thorax is more strongly contracted behind, its
punctuation and that of the striae of the elytra is finer, and the punc-
tures are placed fiirther apart in the latter. The club of the antennae
is always of a light colour, but the thorax is sometimes darker than the
elytra (v. rdgrlceps, Fleischer). The (^ has the posterior tibiae very
slightly bent inwards towards the apex. As stated above, this species
has been confounded with L. hrunnea by Dr. Fleischer, biit is easily
distinguished by its diiferently shaped thorax, more rounded sides of
elytra, and more remotely punctured striae of the same, the shorter
1911.] 179
tarsi, and, particularly by the much shorter first joint of the posterior
tarsi, the much finer and more diffuse punctuation of the luider side of
the middle and posterior femora, and the much less curved posterior
tibiae in the (J . The sedeagus resembles that of L. dnhia in structure,
and is much more rounded at the apex than in L. brunnea. L. aUjirica
is an uncommon species. Most of the specimens I have seen are from
the Oxford district.
Bradfield, Berks :
May 28th, 1911.
COERECTIONS.
P. 168, last line but one, omit " not." p. 170, section 10, for " leng-th not
exceeding' 3 — 4 mm.," read " length not exceeding 3 — 5 mm."
ON A COCCID NEW TO GREAT BRITAIN: WITH NOTES ON
ALLIED SPECIES.
BY E. ERNEST GREEN, P.E.S.
That indefatigable investigator of ants' nests, Mr. H. St. J.
Donisthorpe, has submitted to me for determination, from time to
time, various Coccidm taken in association with ants. For the most
part, these gatherings have consisted of the subterranean members of
the genus Bipersia — principally formdcarii, tomlini, and donisthorpei ;
but Orthezia cataphracta has also occurred.
Amongst a small collection recently received from the same
source, I recognize two other Ortheziines. One of these is Newsteadia
floccosa, Westw., associated with F. ftisca ; the other — four examples
of which were taken from a nest of Myrmica scabrinodis, at Porlock
(Somersetshire), in April of the present year, — proves to be the
curious little species Ortheziola vejdovshyi described by Sulc, in 1894
(Sitzb. K. Bohm. Ges. Wiss., No. 44, p, 5), from specimens collected
in Bohemia, and hitherto (to the best of my belief) recorded from no
other locality.
The present examples are worn and discolovu-ed by contact with
the soil, and are, consequently, not such ornamental objects as those
figured in the original description of the species ; but there can be
no doubt as to their identity. The greatly reduced antennje, the
undivided tibio-tarsus, the arrangement of the waxy lamellae, and the
bare median tract on the dorsum, all agree absohitely with Dr. Sulc's
description and figures (Joe. cit.).
180
[August,
f^-i
My fig. 1 presents a dorsal view (enlarged by 30 diameters) of a
British example of the insect. In
their mud- stained condition the
lamellae show little or no trace of
the yellow bands described by the
author of the species. Nor have
the present examples any promi-
nent ovisac ; biit this difference is
attribntal)le merely to the compara-
tive immaturity of the specimens.
In one particular I am inclined
to disagree with Dr. Sulc's inter-
pretation of the characters of Or-
theziola. He remarks that " the
3- jointed antennae are attached to
the frontal processes, which bear
also on each side a stalked simple eye." From a comparison with the
same organs in Neivsteadia and in typical Orihezia (see figs. 2, 3,
and 4), I am convinced that the so-called "frontal processes" are
homologous with the basal joint of the antennae in the allied genera.
This (?) process or joint, in Orfheziola, is densely chitinous, and is in
every particular of the same character as the unquestioned autenual
joints. It is true that they have not a very well-defined basal margin,
and their nature is also confused by the fact that the cylindrical eyes
are firmly fused to their bases (see fig. 2) ; but I would interpret this
condition as the result of a confluence or effusion of the denser chiti-
nous areas at the base of the antennae, in correlation with the confluence
of the tibia and tarsus in the present insect. In other species of the
Ortheziiue group the eye, though separate from the acknowledged
basal joint of the antenna, bears relatively the same position to it as
does the eye in Orfheziola to the supposed frontal process. No frontal
process — of this nature — has been observed in any other Coccid. In
Neivsteadia, to which genus this insect is most nearly allied, there are
two stout cylindrical basal joints, followed by several small obconical
or pyriform joints (fig. 3). In Or/Zieg/oZrt, Sulc's frontal process and
what he understands as the first true joint clearly represent the two
cylindrical basal joints in Newsteadia. If this view is accepted,
Orthezioia should be credited with four (instead of three only) joints
to the antennae.
While on the subject of the Ortheziine antennae, I should like to
1911.]
181
refer to Prof. Newstead's interpretation of the antenna of Newsteadia ^
He remarks (Mon. Brit. Coccidae, vol. ii, p. 242) : " With reference to
the antennae, Mr. Grreen says that ' the terminal joint is apparently
composed of two fused joints, forming a scape-like termination ; the
antennae thus consisting of seven distinct joints as opposed to eight in
the other species. . . . Another remarkable character in floccosa is the
very long basal joint of the antenna.' In ascribing seven joints to the
antennae, Mr. Green has evidently overlooked the true character of
the third joint, which, although deeply constricted in the centre, is not
articulated ; the constriction, however, so exactly simulates a joint
that it may easily be mistaken as such."
Prof. ISTewstead is quite correct in asserting that there is no true
articulation between what I considered as the 3rd and 4th joints and
what he takes to be a single 3rd joint with an illusory constriction.
Tliere certainly is no articulation between these two joints — or nodes,
as the case may be. But I do not agree with the view that this, of
itself, deprives the part of its right to be considered a separate joint.
In many Lecaniinx there is no actual articulation between certain of
the recognized joints. It is sometimes difficult to decide whether a
manifestly compound segment shovdd be reckoned as one or more
joints. In practice, it is usual to consider such a segment as con-
sisting of a single joint when the transverse divisions have completely
XS2 ' [August,
disappeared, or of several joints when these septa can be distinguished,
— quite apart from the consideration of whether or not they can
articulate freely upon each other. In the present case, I maintain
that the septum can be distinguished between my 3rd and 4th joints
(at the point of Prof. Newstead's ' deep constriction.') The dividing
line is very fine and delicate, but it is clearly demonstrable in a good
movuit, with a proper adjustment of focus and illumination. In some
of my examples, it is fully as distinct as are the divisions between the
other joints, and in one specimen a third joint is closely fused to the
other two. Are we to consider, in this last case, that the antenna has
only five joints, of which the third is deeply constricted in two places ?
As a matter of fact, there is little or no play between any of the joints
— from the 2nd onwards. The transverse septa are usually more
marked between the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th (according to my interpre-
tation) joints than between the 3rd and 4th, but they move together —
as one piece, articulating freely only between the 1st and 2nd joints.
If Prof. Newstead will examine a long series of these insects, from
different localities, I think that he will find individuals in which it is
impossible to see any distinction between the divisions of (my) 3rd
and 4th joints and those of the subsequent segments.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES.
1. Ortheziola vejdovskrji, dorsal view, x 30.
2. Antenna and eye of 0. vejdovskyi, x 70.
3. do. do. N. floccosa, x 70.
4-. do. do. 0. lu'ticse, x 70.
Peradeniya, Ceylon :
June Zrd, 1911.
ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO THE BRITISH LIST OF
MUSCIDM ACALYPTRATM.
BY J. E. COLLIN, F.E.S.
(Co7itinued from Vol. xlvii, page 153).
EPHYDRID.E.
NOTIPHlLINm.
*Notiphila hrunnipes, Desv. {stagnicola, Stenli. nee Desv.). — I am convinced
that Schiner was I'ight in considering stagnicola, of Desvoidy and Macqnart
distinct from stagnicola of Stenhammer, and feel svu-e that the species described
by Desvoidy as hrunnipes is the same as Stenhammer's stagnicola. I found it
in some numliers at Ranworth (Norfolk) on the leaves of aquatic plants ; it may
be known by its l)laek antenna}, which in life show a narrow pale base to the
iflii.] 18.3
third joint, its pale palpi and silvery white face, the tibiae are dark with only
the extreme base and tip pale. N. chamieleon, Becker, must be exceedingly
closely allied, if not identical.
Notiphila stagnicola, Desv.— In the " List " this species is wrongly credited
to Macquart instead of Desvoidy.
Notiphila macidata, Stenh.— From Stenhammer's description it is obviovis
that in his species there should be no ciliation beneath the middle femora,
therefore Schiner was correct in suggesting that venusta, Lw., was identical
with macidata, Stenh., which necessitates a new name being given to the
species called niaculata by Loew and Becker.
Notiphila supposita, n.n. — This is the name proposed for maculata, Lw.,
Beck., nee Stenh. I have seen it from only Herefordshire.
Discomyza cimiciformis, Hal.— A genus Clanoneurum has been established
for this species by Becker (1903), and Cyclocephalomyia, Hendel (1907), a new
name for Cyclocephala, Strobl. (1902) is a synonym {v. Czerny, 1909).
*Atissa durrenhergensis, Lw. — I took this species at Aldebixrgh (Suffolk),
on September 17th and 18th, 1907. It has black antennae and smoky wings
without the postical cross vein clouded.
*Atissa limosina, Becker, like the last species has black antennte, bvit is
darker in general coloiiring, not even having the basal joint of the tarsi pale ;
the postical cross vein is infuscated. I fovmd it at Arne (Dorset) in September,
1906, and at Woodbridge and Aldeburgli (Suffolk) in August and September,
1907.
*Athyroglossa ordinata, Becker. — This species was taken by Mr. C. G.
Lamb, at Padstow, Cornwall, in July, 1904. Compared with .4. glabra, Mg.,
the thorax is more bare, the scutelhuu more rounded and shining without
the coarse punctuation of that species.
Psilopa compta, Meig. — Becker considers this to be only a variety of
nitidida, having found specimens, in the Canary Islands, intermediate between
the two in the coloration of the legs. I, however, prefer to leave it in tlie
British List for the present.
*Discocerina (Clasiopa) cinerella, Stenh. — This species was found by
Col. Yerbury at Aviemore (Inverness) and Nairn, in Jvily, 1905, and Dr. Wood
has taken it in Herefordshire. It is one of the larger species, of a dull
yellowish browTi colour with the last abdominal segment brilliantly shining
black, with only two bristles on each side of the yellowish face, Avith pale third
joint to the antenna, and pale knees and tarsi.
*Discocerina {Clasiopa) plumosa. Fin., is the largest British species of the
genus, the thorax is indistinctly shining, the face nearly perpendicular and
flat, and the 3rd antennal joint indistinctly yellowish. Colonel Yerbury fotmd
it at Tarrington (Herefordshire) in August and September, 1902, and I took it
in some numbers in that county in August, 1910.
184 [August,
Discocerina (Clasiopa) nigrina, Meig., is now considered a synonym of
ohscurella, Fin., and nigrina, Stenh., Sec, a synonym of calceata, Meig.
*Discocerina {Clasiopa) xanthocera, Lw. — I have taken this species at
Tuddenham and Aldebvirgh (Suffolk), in September, and Dr. Wood has found
it in Herefordshire. It is a dull grey insect with whitish wings and yellow
antennce ; the Ijristles on the face are arranged in two rows.
*Discocerina [Clasiopa) glaucella, Stenh., may be recognised by noticing
the very deep jowls and wide cheeks, the black antennte, the spiirred hind
tibia?, and the presence of an extra bristle each side of the face outside the
upper pair. Dr. Wood finds it in the Monnow Valley (Herefordshire) in July.
HYDRELLIN.li.
The genera Mosillus {Gymnopa) and Atissa are now included among the
Notiphilinse
*Hydrellia grisea, Stenh. — If I am correct in my interpretation of this
species, it may be known from any other by the absence of the minute serration
beneath the front femora towards their end.
Hydrellia laticeps, Stenh., and discolor, Stenh. — I retain Stenhammer's
names for these species, as I fail to see the necessity or utility of reviving (on
the sole evidence of doubtful type specimens) old iinrecognised names of
Meigen.
*Hydrellia mutata, Zett. — I have seen specimens of this species from
Herefordshire and Suffolk. It is a fair sized very dull dark species, the sides
of frons and the antenniB being deep dull black ; the latter, however, slightly
pale at the base in the male, and the basal joint of the tarsi pale.
*Hydrellia flavicornis, Fin., is a fairly large species, antennae almost
entirely jjale in the male, darkened in female, palpi brownish-yellow ( J ), dai-k
brown ( ? ), frons imiformly greyish, face yellow. Most of the specimens I
have seen were taken in Herefordshire from May to Jiily, but Col. Yerbury
found it at Porthcawl (Glamorgan) in June, 1903.
*Hydrellia argyrogenis, Becker, may be easily recognised by its black palpi
and antennae, dixll thorax, and large jowls which, Avith the face and pleurae, are
silvery white. This was a common species in August, 1905, on the water lily
leaves growing in an artificial pond at the liottom of Mr. Verrall's garden at
Newmarket (Sixffolk).
*Hydrellia maculiventris, Becker. — This occurred in the same locality as the
last species ; it has pale front coxa;, silvery white face, black antennae, legs
with knees, tips of tibiae and base of tarsi yellow, and abdomen distinctly grey
at the sides.
Hydrellia hydrocotyles, Hal., I do not recognise, unless it could have been
described from a female discolor.
Hydrellia cochlearim, Hal., and tarsata, Hal. — At present I fail to satis-
factorily recognise.
Philhygria interstincta. Fin. — Our British specimens woidd answer better
i"!!-:! 185
to the species called liy Becker sexmaculata in having the femora darkened and
the antennae more extensively dark, but I think this mvist be a qxiestion of
matnrity. Also I have a note made when at Stockholm that P. interstincta of
Fallen's collection has darkened femora.
*Philhygria vittipennis, Zett. — This is not uncommon on the Suffolk coast ;
the thorax is indistinctly striped, the wings very long and often darkened
about the front margin, and the legs are extensively darkened.
Byadina nitida, Mcq., has been added to onr List by Malloch in 1908.
Mr. VeiTall caught a female at Felixstowe (Suffolk) in July, 1894', and Col.
Yerbury has taken it at Aviemore (Inverness), at the end of May, 1904, and
at Clifford's Castle (Herefordshire) in July, 1902.
*Hyadina humeralis, Becker, may be known by the small humeral black
spot and the absence of the hyaline spots on the wing. Mr. Verrall found it at
Warrengore (Sussex) in April, 1894; Col. Yerbury has taken it at Fording-
bridge (Hants), Porthcawl (Glamorgan), and in the neighbourhood of Alde-
burgh (Suffolk), and I have taken it on the banks of the river Deben (Suffolk).
The genera Pclina and Ochthera are placed by Becker among the
Ephydrinx.
Ochthera mantispa, Lw. — Mr. C. G. Lamb was responsible for bringing
forward this addition to the British List, in this Magazine for May, 1904.
EPHYDRIN.!;.
Pelina senea. Fin. — By a mistake in the List, Haliday was given as the
describer of this species.
*Pelina nitens, Lw. — My specimens seem to indicate a transition form
between subpundata, Becker, and Loew's species, though the thorax is dis-
tinctly bronze coloured, the antennae are only faintly reddish at the base, and
the second abdominal segment is punctulate aborit the middle. The scutelhmi
in this species terminates in a point. It is widely distributed in Britain, as I
possess specimens from Nairn and Aberlady in Scotland, Woodbridge (Suffolk),
Porthcawl (Glamorgan), Torcross (Devon), Lymington (Hants), and Hever
(Kent).
Halmopota salinarum, Bouche. — I have never seen this species, which is
said to occur about salterns.
* Parhydra ohliqua, Becker. — I found this species in some numbers at
Snailwell (Cambs.) in June, 1908 ; Col. Yerbuiy has taken it in the New
Forest (Hants), and Dr. Wood, in Herefordshire.
*Parhydra nigriiarsis, Strobl. — Very much like ohliqua, bi\t the tarsi are
dark and the face is more prominent. I have seen specimens from Scotland
taken by Col. Yerbury and Mr. C. G. Lamb.
Ephydra salinss, Zett. — Haliday's description of E. halophila v. Heyd.,
iindoubtedly applies to E. salinx, Zett., and not to von Heyden's species which
is considered a synonym of riparia, Fin. Zetterstedt's name must therefore be
placed in the List, though I have never seen a specimen of the species which is
said to swarm abovit salterns.
186 [August,
Philotelma defectum, Hal. — In describing this genus Becker placed it among
the Notiphilinse on the antennal characters, but the chaetotaxy, especially of
the head, must surely place it in the neighbourhood of Csenia and Scatella
among the Ephydrinsa. Becker also incorrectly recognised Haliday's species ;
the true Csenia defecta, Haliday, is vmdoubtedly a Philotelma, and I consider it
probable that EpMjdra albidiperuiis, Stenh., and E. psilopina, Zett., also l)elong to
the same gentis, indeed Haliday considered the fii'st a synonym of his defecta.
* Philotelma nigripennis, Mg. — This has not the white face nor the distinct
wliitish spots on the wing of defectum, though otherwise much like it. It is not
uncommon on the Suffolk coast in September, and Col. Yerbury has taken it at
Gravesend (Kent).
Scatella sorhillans, Hal., and sestuans, Hal. — I prefer to retain Haliday's
names for these species instead of reviving, on the evidence of doubtfiU type
specimens, old unrecognised names of Meigeu.
Scatella Icucostoma, Mg. — This was recognised from Meigen's description by
Haliday without hesitation, and the size given by Meigen, as well as his descrip-
tion of the " Lcih — , ohnc glanz," confirms the identification. It is the same as
dichseta, Lw., and thovigh the specimens now existing in Winthem's and Meigen's
collections ai-e according to Becker only sorhillans, Hal., I see no reason for
altering the name.
Scatella ste7ihamm.eri, Zett., has been added to the "List" by Grimshaw
(Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1909, 250) on the strength of a single specimen, thovigh
this is a species in which it is very necessary to see a long series before being
certain of its identity.
Scatella noctula, Meig., of the " List" is now considered to be an unrecog-
nised species of Scatojjhila -, according to Meigen's description it resembles in
its wing markings S. ^micornis, Cz., in having a larger number of white spots or
stripes than most of the other species. I cannot say what species Haliday and
Walker had under this name, but Haliday thought his compta to be only a
variety. A species answering to the description may yet be foimd upon our
coasts.
* Scatophila unicornis, Czerny. — For a long time a pair of a Scatophila, taken
by Mr. Verrall at Denmark Hill, London, on February 9th, 1867, stood without
a name in his collection ; I was doubtful myself whether the peculiar horn at
the middle of the upper mouth edge was not abnormal, but Dr. Wood has taken
a number of this species round hotbeds in the winter, and in all the males this
horn is present, thoiigh absent in the females. Czerny described it in 1900, from
two males taken on a hotbed in a garden at Badhall, Austria.
* Scatella caviceps, Stenh. — I possess specimens of this species from Norfolk,
Suffolk, Essex, and Hants. The facial profile is different in the two sexes, Sten-
hammer's description applying to the male only. Tlie wings, thorax, and abdo-
men are very similar to those of cribrata, bvit the halteres are pale, and there
are only two pairs of strong dorso-central bristles instead of three, besides
numerovis smaller differences.
* Scatella variegata, Lw.— I took about a dozen specimens of what I believe
1911.1 187
to be this species at Waltou-on-Naze (Essex) in Jiuie, 19U8. The thoracic
markings, and the whitish base to the wings, together with the black legs, pale
halteres, and grey banded abdomen, serve to distinguish it. In this species, as
in caviceps and unicornis, the facial profiles of the sexes differ, that of the male
in varicgata very miich resembling the profile of male caviceps.
Csenia furnosa, Stenh. — This is the Ccenia albula, Mg., of the "List" as
distinguished by Haliday ; Meigen's albula being now considered an Ephydra,
Stenhammer's name may be used.
Csenia defecta, Hal. — Now ti-ansferred to the genus Philotelma.
Csenia obscura, Mg. — This name need no longer biirden the " List," for
according to Becker it was described from a specimen of Hydrcllia griscola ; it
only stood in oiu- " List " on the authority of Walker.
*Cienia curvicmida, Meig. — This is undoubtedly distinct from jmlustris, Fin.,
the halteres are dark and the male hypopygimn is very large, reaching to the
hind margin of the second abdominal segment. I have taken it in Cambridge-
shire, Siiffolk, Norfolk and Herefordshire.
(To be continued).
ALGEEIAN MIC ROLEPIDOPT E BA.
BY THE RIGHT HON. LORD WALSINGHAM, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., &c.
(Continued from p. 15).
OECOPHOBIBAE.
355. PLEUROTA Hb.
3085'1. Pleurota neotbs, sp. n.
Antennae gi'eyish fuscous, with faint pale annulations. Palpi whitish
ochreous above, the lower half (or more) dark fawn-brown ; the terminal joint
short, partially concealed. Head and Thorax pale ochreous. Forewings pale
ochreous, with a slight brownish tinge, the costa narrowly whitish nearly to
the apex ; a pale space along the cell from near the base is slightly dilated
outward, and in some specimens separates the rather darker subcostal area
from the almost equally dark plical and dorsal area, but in others this paler
space is almost entirely obliterated by the ochreous scaling, the only difference
being that the Avhole length of the wing adjacent to the pale costal streak
shows a stronger admixttu-e of the brownish tint than is exhibited below the
middle of the wing ; there is no terminal line at the base of the pale ochreous
cilia ; the costal streak is visiljle on the iinderside, which is otherwise dvUl
tawny. Exp. al. 11-14 mm. Hindwings rather dark tawny brownish grey ; cilia
somewhat paler, with a slight shade-line along their base. Abdomen dark
tawny brownish grey. Legs tawny brownish grey, hind tibiae paler brownish
grey, the tarsi still paler, almost white.
Type S (8394) Mus. Wlsni., British Museum.
Hah.: Algeria: Coustautiue, 6-20.V.1895 (^aio/t), 6.V.1904 {Wlsm.)
Nine specimens.
188 [August,
In one or two specimens a minute dark dot, apparently a single scale,
rests at the outer end of the cell, and in one only a few similar scales
are scattered along the termen, without forming any continuous line.
Near hrevispinella, Z., but the average size smaller, and the palpi
distinctly shorter. The darker colouring of the subcostal area in
brevispineUa is not continued or repeated lielow the middle of the
wing as in neotes, which assumes therefore a more uniformly darkened
appearance.
373-01 COESYEA Meyr.
CoESYRA Meyr. Pr. Lin. Soc. N.S.W. VII. 423 no. 51 (1883) :
IX. 763-90 no. 51 sp. 305-47 (1885).
3321"1. CoESYEA SOLAE, sp. n.
Antennae biciliate (Is) in the ^ , vfith slight basal pecten ; tawny fuscous,
with white annulations. Palpi rather stont, smoothly clothed, the terminal
joint not longer than the median ; white, sprinkled with tawny fiiscous. Head
and face densely clothed; white, with slight tawny sjirinkling above. Thorax
yellow, shaded with brownish ochreous. Forewings rather short and broad, the
costa moderately straight, apex obtuse, termen oblique ; yellow, shaded with
olive-brown, and much mottled beyond the base with a sprinkling of tawny
fuscous scales, especially in a broad median dorsal patch, of which the ground-
colour and margins are white ; this patch is produced upward and outward to
above the end of the cell where it is rounded off, but connected by scattered
tawny scales to the tornus, thence widely along the termen reaching the
commencement of the costal cilia in a small tawny fuscous patch ; the anterior
outline of this vmdulated marking is whitish throughout, encircling and
almost enclosing a rich olive-brown blotch just beyond the end of the cell ; cilia
yellow, with indistinct bars of tawny fuscous sprinkling. Exp. al. 11-12 mm.
Hindwings shining, whitish, much siiffused beyond the base and around the
margins with brownish grey ; cilia white, shaded with brownish grey towards
the apex. Abdomen blackish above, white beneath. Legs white, with blackish
sprinkling on the tarsi.
Type (J (96731) ; ? (96732) Mus. Wlsm., British Museum.
Hah.: Algeria : Hammam-es-Salahin, 0 Salsola vermiculata , 29.1,
ex. 1-30.IV.1904 (Wlsm.) ; Biskra, 31.III.1904, 16.IV.1903 (Wlsm.) ■
El-Kantara, 10-20.V.1903 (Wlsm.). Twenty-four specimens.
This species is named after my able assistant, Ignatio Sola, whose
name has been mentioned in previous papers. We met with this in
some abundance among the remains of an old Roman settlement at the
mouth of the Gorge of Tilatou, where it was invariably beaten from
Salsola vermiculata. Sola found some empty pupa-cases attached by
webs to the stems of this plant from which there was Httle doubt that
i«i-] 189
the motlis had recently enier^'ed. In 1904 six specimens were bred at
Haniniam-es-Salahiu from pale slate-coloured lan^ae -with black head
and prouotal plate.
Netiration FW : 7-8 stalked, 7 to termen — in Borkhausenia Hb. FW :
7 runs to costa.
379. BORKHAUSENIA Hb.
3355-2. Borkhausenia sbmifuscata, sp. n.
Aiitcnnac biserrate and miniitely ciliate, with large basal pecten ; pale stone-
grey, with faint darker annnlations, the basal joint slightly tinged with ochreous.
Palpi stone-grey, somewhat darker externally. Head pale stone-grey. Thorax
shining, stone-grey. Forewings shining, stone-grey, with gi-eyish fuscous dusting
throughout, more thickly distributed along the costal third and on the outer
portion, the paler median area containing three f uscovis spots, one on the middle
of the cell, a smaller one below it on the fold (visually a little beyond it), and a
third, larger, transversely placed at the end of the cell ; cilia stone-grey, without
dividing line. Exp. al. 14-15 mm. Hindwings shining, leaden grey ; cilia stone-
grey. Abdomen stone-grey, sometimes with an ochreous tinge. Legs pale stone-
grey.
Type S (97721) ; ? (97722) Mus. Wlsm., British Museum,
Hah.: Algeria: Philippeville, 12.V.1904. (Wlsm.). Thirteen speci-
mens.
Most nearly allied to fuscifrontella Cnst., from "which it may be
distinguished by its paler head, and by the less uniform obsciu-e colour-
ing of the forewings — fuscifrontella showing no contrast between the
shade of the costal and median areas.
3355: 1. Borkenhausenia fuscifrontella Cnst., is distinct from 3355
lavandulae Mn., of which ardosieUa Cnst., and pulverisquamis Wlsm.,
are synonyms [vide Wlsm., Ent. Mo. Mag., XXXVII. 180-1 (1901)].
GELECHIADAE.
3211. CECIDOPHAGA, gn. n.
(KTjKL'i = a gall ; (^c^yctv = to devour).
Type : Cecidophaga tamaricicola "VVlsm.
Antennae %, simple, slightly serrate towards apex ; basal joint with strong
pecten at base. Labial Palpi recurved, median joint somewhat clothed at end ;
terminal joint shorter than median, pointed. Maxillary Palpi minute. Hau-
stellum moderate. Ocelli absent. Head with appressed scales. Thorax smooth.
Forewings with long dorsal cilia, giving a widened appearance, bixt when
denuded elongate-lanceolate, acute, gradually tapering from the base ; ncuration
12 veins ; 7 and 8 stalked, to costa, G out of their stalk ; 9 closely approximate
to (8-6) ; rest separate ; 1 basally furcate. Hindwings with straight, parallel
190 [August,
margins, extended apex, and sinuate terinen ; cilia 1| : neuration 9 veins ; 6 and
7 separate, but approximating towards base ; 7 to apex, stalked with 8, which
is emitted near costa ; 2-5 separate, 5 cubital ; 4 nearer to 3 than 5 ; discoidal
subobsolete between 5 and 6 ; radius approaching 12 and connected to it by 11
beyond half cell-length. Abdomen smooth, rather flattened. Legs, hind tibiae
hairy.
Perhaps most nearly allied to Sitotroga Hnmn. ; several correlated
genera occur in Algeria.
2902"1. Cecidophaga tamaricicola, sp. n.
Antennae ochreous. Palpi ochreous, bro^v^aish externally, except at base of
median joint. Head and Thorax pale fawn-ochreous. Forewings pale fawn-
ochreous, unmarked, except for a very slight sprinkling of minute brown scales
toward the apex, and sometimes a few grotips of the same aroiind the end of
the cell ; underside shining. Exp. al. 17-23 mm. Hindwings shining, pale
brassy ochreous ; cilia pale fawn-ochreous. Abdomen pale ochreous. Legs pale
ochi-eous.
Type ? (88705) ; ^ (88708) ; © (88753)) Mus. Wlsm., British
Museum.
Larva white, withoiit markings. Head olivaceous, paler above. Thorax
with very pale olivaceous pronotal plate. Legs white. Long. 11 mm.
Hah. : Algeria : Biskra and Hammain-es-Salahiu, © in galls on
Tamarix sp., I-IV, excl. 12.IV— 28.VI.1903 {Whm.). Forty-eight
specimens.
The galls made l)y the larvae on the l)ranches of the Tamarisk are not
terminal, and are usually somewhat lateral, or larger on one side than
on the other; they are at least half -hollow. I found these galls
abundant at Biskra, and at Hammam-es-Salahin from January to
April, and bred specimens continuously from April to the end of Jime.
TINEIDAE.
435. Stigmella Schrank.
Stigmella Schrank Fn. Boica II. (2). 139 no. 1890 (1802) ; Oken
LB. Naturg. Zool. I. pp. 655, m7, xxiii (1815) ; AVlsm. Pr. Z. Soc.
Lond. 1907. 1008-12 (1908).
= NEPTicuLA Hdn (1843) ; Z. (1848) ; Stgr-Ebl. Cat. Lp. Pal. II.
221-8 no. 435 sp. 4289-4418 (1901).
44161 Stigmella zizyphi, sjj. n.
Antennae greyish fuscous ; eyo-capS pale golden yellowish. Head dark
fuscous. Thorax fuscous, sprinkled with pale golden yellow. Forewings dark
mi.] 19^
fuscous, sprinkled throiighoiit with elongate groups of pale golden yellow
scales ; cilia dark grey Exp. al. 4"5-5 mm. Hindwings shining, dark grey ;
cilia concolorous. Abdomen dark grey. Legs : posterior pair golden yellowisli.
Type ? (96915) ; mine (96920). Mus. Wlsm., British Museum.
Hab. Algeria : Beni Mora, near Biskra, © Zlzyphns sp., 16. II, ex.
21-28.III.1903 {Wlsm..). Five specimens.
Allied to etiphorbleUa Stn. The yellowish larva makes a broad con-
torted mine, in which the frass appears as a narrow black, track in the
leaves of Zizi/pJius.
Homalota picipennis, Ma7inh., in Biichs. — It Avill be remembered that
Dr. Joy introduced this species to the British List on specimens taken by him
as far north as Inverness-shire (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxi, 252). It may therefore be
of interest to record its occurrence in Buckinghamshire. I took an example
last October in rotting fungus in a wood near Little Marlow, which Dr. Joy
has been good enough to confirm as referable to this species.
H. sodalis, Er., was abundant in the same fungus, and it seems probable
that, as Dr. Joy suggested in his note, H. picipennis has a mvich wider range in
this country than the first capture might lead one to suppose, and has perhaps
hitherto been overlooked. — W. E. Sharp, Soixth Norwood: July 4th, 1911.
Notes from the Isle of Sheppeij. — I was at Sheerness from June 12th to 26th,
and despite the cool and windy weather which set in on the evening of my
arrival and prevailed during the whole of my stay, succeeded in taking a good
many of the Coleoptera chai-acteristic of this well-known locality. These are, I
find, more difficult to obtain in every successive year, as all the choicest spots for
insects in the Island are being slowly but surely destroyed. Thus I have good
reason to fear that Hsemonia curtisii, which is still to be found freely in its
special ditch close to Sheerness, will soon be a thing of the past, owing to the
near approach of building operations ; Berosus spinosus, usually found in plentj-
in its company, is fortunately miich more widely distributed. In wet moss at
the edge of a little pond near Leysdown, no fewer than seven species of
Ochthehius — exaratus, nanus, punctatus, viridis, marinus, pygmxus, and bicolon —
were found together, the four last-named being very plentiful. One of the
chief objects of my search was Malachius vulneratus, Ab., but this I found on
one occasion only, by sweeping the luxiu-iant herbage of a salt-marsh which is
covered by tlie highest tides of the Medway, all the specimens taken being
9 's. ; its ally, M. marginellus, 01., was not scarce on the remains of the once
productive little salt-marsli on the Thames foreshore just beyond Sheerness.
The habitat of Quedius hammianus, Sharp, of which I found a very few speci-
mens outside the sea-wall, is also of a decidedly saline character. Only one
noteworthy beetle, a fine $ Magdalinus harhicornis, a species not previously
noted in Sheppey, was obtained by cliff-sweeping. Lepidoptera were notably
Q2
192 [August,
scarce, btit I was very glad to see once more the beaiitifiil larva of CUsiocampa
castrensis in abundance on the salt-marshes, a large proportion being already
full-fed. — James J. Walker, Oxford : June 18th, 1911.
Re-occurrence of Pyralis lienigialis, Zell., in the Oxford district. — I am
glad to be able to record the fact that this rare and interesting little Pyrale
has turned up again in the Oxford district. On the evening of July 5th I
found a freshly emerged J specimen at Wolvercote, Oxon, sitting with up-
turned abdomen on the stone wall of a barn, in exactly the same attitude as its
common congener, P. farinalis. A close search of this and similar places, as
well as a moderate amount of thatch-beating, has up to now failed to produce
any fvirther specimens. — 7(1 .- July 18th, 1911.
Capture of Deilejyhila galii at Boston, Lines. — On the evening of July 10th
I took a perfect specimen of Deilephila galii in my garden. I was standing
and watching a bed of red valerian, and about 9.45 p.m. this moth swooped
down and hovered over the flowers. I caiight him in the net at once. This
record may be interesting to readers of your Magazine. Is this to be a "galii"
year? I have also taken several Trochilium crahroniformis on my aspen trees.
I cannot keep an aspen or a sallow long on account of these " wood-borers."
— C. W. PiLCHER, Boston, Lincolnshire : July 12th, 1911.
Plusia moneta. Fab., in Notts. — Mr. Porritt has asked me to place on record
the occurrence of this species in the garden here, as a contribution to the
records relating to the gradual extension of Plusia moneta over Northern
England. The larva was found on a plant of Aconiturn napellus, and there
were traces of a second having been at work on another shoot of the same
plant. The moth, a ? , emerged successfully last month. Professor Carr, of
University College, Nottingham, who is collecting the county records for
Entomology, tells me this is the first occurrence of P. moneta in Notts which
has come to his knowledge. — E. Maude Aldebson, Park Hoiise, Worksop :
July 12th, 1911.
Halonota turbidana, Tr., bred. — Eeferring to my note in the May number
of Ent. Mo. Mag., pp. Ill and 112, recording the finding by Mr. Corder and
myself of what we concluded were the larva of this species in the roots of
Petasites, at Greatham, on March 2oth of the present year, we have now, both
of us, bred the moth, and placed the matter beyond doubt. Mr. Corder writes
me with reference to the larvce he got ••, " I find these leave the roots in late
spring, and spin tight oval cocoons of earth and particles of sand lined with
white silk, and near the surface ; the insect forces its way out when ready to
emerge, leaving the empty pupa skin on the surface." The few larvjB I had
behaved in exactly the same manner, excepting that one attached itself to the
outside of a dried root ; but I have not heard from Dr. Chapman as to his
experience with the larvae I sent him. — J. Gardner, Laiu-el Lodge, Hart,
West Hartlepool : July 17th, 1911.
1911] 193
Libellula fulva, Mali., abundant near Askern, Yorkshire. — On Thursday last,
June 15th, Dr. H. H. Corbett, of Doncaster, took me to the locality near Askern,
where two years ago he casixally took a specimen of Libellula fulva, and near to
where Mr. S. L. Mosley had taken it so long ago as June, 1888 (see Ent. Mo.
Mag., July, 1909, p. 166). The place is called Shirley Pool, and is one of the
very few pieces of undrained fen land still remaining in Yorkshire. It is
situate one and a half miles from Askern, and about seven miles from
Doncaster. Before we reached the " Pool," we saw that there were plenty of
L. fulva about, as on a small, round pond adjoining it, and to which we first
came, they were flying in numbers, and we captured nearly a dozen specimens
on that pond alone, although from the wide margin of reeds all arotmd, it
was but rarely that the insect came near enoiigh to be netted. The " Pool "
itself is a fairly extensive piece of water, and the species appeared to be plen-
tiful all over it, and was indeed more abundant than I have ever seen it
even in the Norfolk Broads. There were many scores of fulva about, and
I do not think it would be any exaggeration to say there were hundi-eds. The
locality is exactly similar in character to the places in the Norfolk Broads
which fulva frequents, but still wilder, as the growth of aquatic vegetation
(reeds, rushes, and other plants) is denser and more luxiuiant. And being
private property, with the wild fowl, fish, &c., preserved, there are not the
paths, roads, &c., which now give to the Broads a more frequented appearance.
The flowei'S of the yellow iris on the drier ground, in all the beavity of their
freshness, were a sight to be remembered.
It was most satisfactory to find the fine and local L. ftilva so well
established in a locality so far north. The other dragon-flies accompanying it
were BracMjtron pratense, Libellula quadrimaculata, Pyrrhosoma riymphula,
Ischnura elegans, and Agrion puella, all common, but of the three larger species,
L. fulva quite took the lead in point of numbers. — Geo. T. Porritt, Dalton,
Huddersfield: June mii, 1911.
Entomological work in India. — In a recent report by Dr. Annandale, com-
prised in that of the Board of Scientific Advice for India, 1909-10, that
gentleman, referring to the vokime on Dipt era that I am preparing for the
" Fauna of British India " series, says : " The large additions recently made to
our collection of Diptera by himself and others having made it possible to
undertake this important woi-k, which could not have been contemplated else-
where than in Calcutta."
From the direct connection of this work of mine with the opinion that it
"could not have been contemplated elsewhere than in Calcutta," it may be
inferred that this opinion is shared by me, whereas the direct opposite is the
case. — E. Brunetti, Calcutta: June 5th, 1911.
194 [August,
THEEE WEEKS IN THE SUDAN.
BY G. B. LONGSTAFP, M.A., M.D., P.E..C.P.
(Continued from ■pa(]e 127).
Quite the most obvious Khartum beetle was the dark browu and
gold Cetoniid, Pachnoda m,vi(j)iiji, G. aud P., which was very commonly
to be seen flying around, or settled upon, the flowers of Acacia or
Tecoma. When settled on a flower it was easily alarmed, and readily
took to its wings. Many specimens in the British Museum have the
brown replaced by yellow, but I saw none so coloured. At Burri I took
flying about Acacia flowers two of the large green Steraspis speciosa,
Khig, a species common in UjDper Egypt, also at the same flowers a
very finely coloured example of the magnificent /wiof^rs _/i;/i&ria/rt, Klug
— green, yellow, and orange-red. The electric lights of the hotel
attracted the small chafers, Adoretus clypeatus, Burm., and Schizony-
che sp., as well as two specimens of the small scarab, Catharsius
sesostris, Waterh. (= -pylades, Peiinguey), a species which ranges
from Egypt to Sierra Leone, in one direction, and to Soixth Africa in
the other. Amongst the odds and ends attracted by light was an
Ojjatrum, as usual dingy and nameless. Of Himatismus villosus, Haag,
I foiind one on the Cathedi'al site, while three others came to light.
Debris under bushes of Calotropis gave shelter to a Sceliodis castaneus,
Esch., and a number of the abundant Ocnera hisiyida', Forsk. ; of the
last named Mrs. Duckett took one in the hotel. Zopliosis plana, Y.,
crawled upon the sand near the rifle ranges. Other beetles met with
were Corcinelhi ll-iJim-ctata, L., and five specimens of Bulsea licliat-
scJiovii, Hummel, var. pallida, Muls.
Unfortunately, when we reached Khartum the dry season was so
far advanced that with the water at such a low level it was not
possible to make the usual excursion up the Blue Nile. However,
after a good deal of difficulty I managed on February 15th, to hire a
small oil-fed steam-launch, in which we got to Soba, fifteen miles up
stream, where mounds and brickbats are all that remains of the
evidently once considerable capital of the Christian kingdom of
Aloa. We landed on the north side of the river at aboiit noon, and
had to climb vip a steep bank sheltered from the north wind, but with
the sun's rays pouring down upon our backs with a power that I have
seldom experienced, so that I fully expected to be struck down. At
the top we found ourselves in a somewhat scanty thorn- scrub, but the
cruel prickles, the great heat, and the strong wind, contributed to
make collecting difficult.
1311.] 196
With tlie exception of a female of the coininou Eamenrs ilnctor,
Christ, found in the " Rest house," and two Sphegids, Bembex medi-
terraneus, Spin., and Tachysj^hexfluctuatus, Gerst., both females, all my
captures were butterflies. Of the orange-tipped Teracolus ejihyia,
Klug, I took four males, in one of which I detected a sweet scent ;
a male Belenois mesentina, Cram., also had a sweet scent, which
was lacking in two females. Tarucns theophrastus, F., was in
abundance about bushes ; one at rest was seen to move its wings after
the manner common among Lycaenids. The take of the day was a
nice little series of seven males of Calopieris eulimine, Klug, four of
them in fine condition. This is not only a scarce, but a most beautiful
insect ; the orange-tips to its fore-wings are delicately shot with violet,
while the veins ontheimder-side of the hind- wings are brilliant orange.
The White Nile.
Feb. 16th— Feb. 20th, 1909.
Unfortunately a projected journey as far as the Bahr-el-Grhazal fell
through, and I was able to carry out but a very short expedition, which,
nevertheless, was the most interesting part, of the whole tour.
The steamer was very comfortable and the manager civility itself :
indeed so luxurious is travelling now-a-days that we were somewhat
disposed to grumble when the supply of ice failed ! Yet one might
well plead extenuating circumstances, for aerated water without ice is
apt to taste flat at 114° F. in the shade. It was, however, really
tantalizing to be five days in a country of such possibilities, and yet to
get in all less than twelve hours collecting. An entomologist ought,
if possible, not to be pressed for time, and he ought to travel in a
private steamer.
On February 16th, when about 40 miles above Khartum, at
4.50 p.m., there being a gentle breeze from the westward, numerous
lady-birds coming from the eastward settled upon the ship All those
examined proved to be Coccinella ll-jni^ictata, L., a common Egyptian
species. The flight lasted a little over an hour and there must have
been himdreds of the beetles.*
During the greater part of the way the steamer passed through
absolutely flat country elevated but little above the river. At this
stage interest centred on the number and variety of large birds. We
soon came to cranes — grey, demoiselle, and others — storks, ibis, herons ;
geese of several sorts ; ducks and teal innumerable. On low muddy
* Proc. Eiit. Soc, Lond., lOOSl, j\ xxxii.
15)6 [August, 1911.
islands the cranes stood in rows like soldiers, each kind l)y itself, in
scores or hundreds. Of pelicans we saw but few, of flamingoes possibly
one or two. Then thei'e was the marabout, which is a very handsome
bird ; so is the less common fish eagle. There were also kingfishers
and other smaller fowl.
Crocodiles were common enough. We soon reached papyrus, at
first a plant or two, but later plenty. With the papyrus appeared the
hippopotamus. At one stopping place we were brought what we were
told was " lotus " — but it was not the Nelumbium, but a white water-
lily somewhat larger than our English Nymphcea alba, L.
Later we entered a very scanty forest which appeared to consist
chiefly of acacias and other prickly trees.
The first night, at Getena (63 m.), three Noctuas came to the
steamer's lights, all Egyptian species : — Agrotis aegetum, Schiff. ;
Garadrina exigua, Hiibn. ; and Sesamia \_Nonagria'] cretica, Led.
The following day, Feb. 17th, I got an hour and a half's collecting
in the middle of the day at Ad Duwem (125 m., lat. 14° 10' N.), but
unfortunately much of this precious time was wasted in looking for
good collecting ground. A female Polyommatus bseticus, L., two males
of Tarvcus theophrastus, F., and a male of Azarius uhaldus, Cram.,
were all Khartum friends, as were Belenois mesentina, Cram., a male,
Teracolus daira, Klug, of which I got one of each sex, and T.jyrotomedia,
Klug, of which I also got one of each sex. The last is a strong flier
and I missed some in consequence. I did however add one species to
my list in the shape of Teracolus halimede, Klug (var. leo, Butler), of
which I got a male, but imfortmiately damaged its hind- wing in
pinching it. I also got the common wasp, Eumenes tinctor, Christ, a
female, as well as Icaria cincta, Lep., also a female (Mr. Morice
regards this as quite a tropical form) ; the Chrysid Parnopes viridis,
BruUe ; the fly Agria \_8arcopliaga'] nuba, Wied. ; Coccinella ll-j^unctata,
L., ; and the widely distributed Utetheisa ptdchella, L., of which several
were seen. That afternoon, further up the river, a female Xylocopa
sestuans, L., came on to the steamer and was captured by Miss
Marriage.
On the return voyage-three days later (Feb. 20) , I got another two
hours ashore at Ad Duwem, from 8.45 to 10.45 a.m. Butterflies were
fairly common in and near some gardens a short way up stream, but
there was a strong wind and many of them were much torn. On this
occasion Danaida chrysipp^is, L., put in an appearance and I took a
male, a fine specimen of the alcippus form wdth hardly any fulvous
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Ent. Mc. .lag., 1911. — Plate III.
6
W^'
n. Knight & F.O. P. Cambridge del
FaJ-Trap, Leiden, litli.
SOME INTERESTING BRITISH INSECTS.
h
Ent. Mo. Mag., 1911.— Plate IIIa.
Photo— Hugh Main.
NONAGEIA NEURICA, Hb.
September, 1011.] 197
upon the liiml-wiug ; it had the eharacteristit; txTom* of the species
strongly developed. The most conspicuous insect however was
Teracolus protnmedia, Kluu;, which was common enough, but not very
easy to catch in the high wind, though I managed to secure nine, all
males. This butterfly seemed to be especially attracted by the red
flowers of a Ccesatpiiiia in one of the gardens ; in three of the
specimens I detected a scent, slight but distinct, which was noted at
the time as " a somewhat unpleasant stuffy smell " ; "a slight scent,
scarcely agreeable " ; " distinct, dusty, hard to describe." The
commonest Imtterfly would appear to have been Teracolus daira, Klug,
of which I brought away five males and three females, one of the
former being a dwarf ; a female is recorded as having had a clove-pink
scent, both in the field and at home. Of T. lialimede, Klug, I got one
female ; of T. (?) Uagore, Klug, a male. This last must be a very rare
species. Dr. Dixey told me that he had never seen a specimen, but he
thought that mine must be King's Uagore. I also took five males of
Belenois viesentina. Cram., three of which had a slight, somewhat hay-
like scent.
The flowers of Parkiiisonia uttrncted, besides the common Xylocopa
eestuans, L-., and Eiimeties tincfor, Christ, the large handsome grey,
black and white bee, Anthophora nubrica, Lep., of which I secured one
of each sex ; in company with these was an AntJiojiJiora that Mr.
Morice thinks likely to be the undescribed male of A. incana, Klug, of
which I seem to have taken the female at the same flowers in the
suburbs of Khartum.
Late at night we reached Kosti, 192 miles from Khartum. This
is the place that is often called after the name of the district, Groz Abu
Gruma. Quite a number of insects came to the lights of the steamer
during the evening. Among them was Cirph'is loreyi, Dup., a rarity in
England, but common enough in Egypt. There were also two
specimens (males) of a Trichiura, which Sir Greorge Hampson thinks
to be obsoleta, Klug. My Egyptian specimens quite agree with those
in the British Museum from Cairo, but the two from Kosti are
identical with three from the Blue Nile, and differ from the others in
being smaller, darker, and of a blue-grey tint ;* Then there was a
little ochi-eous Noctuid, a species of Antarchxa , which is not in the
Britisli Museum, also a very distinct Lymantriid, a tiny moth nearlv
black, with an orange body spotted with black, which Sir George Hamp-
son has described as Eujorndis xanthosoma, sj^.n., adding " very distinct
* Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker has described this form as Ti-icliiura definita, .sp. n., Annals and
Magazine of Nat. Hist., Ser. 8, Vol. vii, June, 1011, jip. 505—5001.
R
298 [September,
from all other species known to nie "* ; also a Schoenohius and a Chilo,
both of which appear to be new. With these novelties were the less
remarkable Endotricha consohrinalis, ZelL, and the very generally
distributed Hyjjsopygia mauritialis, Gn., a species near the British
Pyralis costaUs, Fab.
It is curious in how many places and under what different circum-
stances I have taken single specimens of Acridium, ivgyptiacum, L.
Here it came to light, accompanied by other Acridians and crickets (not
yet named), as well as the Mantid Ein[nisa egena, Charp., and the
cockroach, Derocalymma porcellio, Gerst.
The huge biit dingy water-bug, Lininogeton fieberl, Mayr, was
accompanied by a number of beetles, many of them obscure species that
I have been unal)leto identify : — Ovatrum svhs'idcatum, Eeiche, in some
numbers ; Opatrum sp. ; Tanymecus sp. ; T^eniolohus sp. ; ChLvmius
sp. ; Pxderus sp. ; Luciola sp., not in the British Museum; and lastly
a male of the common ant Myrmecoeystus viaticus, Fab.
At our most southerly point, Gebel En, Lat. 12° 40' N., 238 m.
from Khartum, I had a very short time for collecting. The thin scrub
was very dry, there was scarcely any heritage, and but one or two
shrubs were still in flower. The heat was intense, 114° F. in the shade,
at the same time the sense of hurry was most disconcerting. Under
these adverse conditions all that I succeeded in taking back to the ship
were two dragon-flies and six butterflies. A male Danaida chrysippus,
L., with the usual scent, differed from the type only in having the
veins of the hind-wings margined with white ; of two Teracolus halimede,
Klug, one had a large piece missing from a hind-wing ; two T.
eu'pompe, Klug ; and, lastly, a T. evarne, Klug, the only specimen that
I met with. All these Tern col I were males, and the two last named
species decidedly " dry."
That night we slept at Koseires (not to be confounded with the
place of the same name on the Blue Nile) . Here again insects came to
light, viz. : — Crrphls loreyi, Dup., as before ; the ubiquitous NomojiliilO'
nocfueJJa, Schiff. ; a yellowish Arctiid, superficially rather like a Nona-
gria, not known to Sir George Hampson ; another specimen of the new
Antarchiea previously taken at Kosti ; a Lymantriid which Sir George
Hampson considers to be the male of an undescribed female from
British East Africa, and has described as Lxlia semimida, sp. n.f ; and
the Acridian Oxycoryphus compressicornis, Latr. The next morning a
* Annals and Magazine of Nat. Hist., Ser. 8, Vol. V., May, 1910, p. 437.
t Annals and Magazine of Nat. Hist., Ser. 8. Vol. V., May, 1910, p. 441.
iwii.] 199
Mautid, Calkin ma at is saiugniji, Sauss., was found on a water-lily on the
breakfast table ; doubtless it had l)een attracted by the lights the night
before. Several beetles also visited the lights — which were acetylene
and not very brilliant — Coccinena rnfescens, Muls. ; Brachinvs sp. ;
Ora sp. ; Tanymecvs sp. (the same as at Kosti) ; Pmderits sp. ; and
Chlsenins sp.
The next morning we left Hillet Abbas at 10.30 a.m., a bare,
miserable place, not improved entomologically by a tearing wind.
However, besides three dragon-flies, I managed to get hold of one
Azanus ubaldtis, Cram., a female ; a female Teracohis daira, Klug ; and
two males of T. halimede, Klug, var. leo, Butler. This last is a
delicate insect, white with a cadmium-yellow flush ; it appears to have
a slight somewhat disagreeable scent. I missed a Blue, probably
Polyommatus hpeticus, L.
On our way dowTi stream again I got three quarters of an hour's
collecting at Kosti in a small vegetable garden close to the landing
place. Only two butterflies rewarded my efforts, a male Zizera
lysimon, Hiibu., and a male Dauaida chrysijpjms, L., the last, taken at
onion flowers, was almost typical, with merely a little white along the
veins of the hind- wings. It proved tenacious of life and had the usual
characteristic scent.
The flowers of carrot yielded a female of EUs senilis, F., a ScoHid
of which I had taken several males at Khartum. When I first met
with this in Egypt I had no idea that the sexes were conspecific. The
male, very variable in size, is smaller, its abdomen orange-red, ringed
with black, its head and thorax covered with grey pubescence (whence
the name), its wings transparent. The female is larger and stouter:
the pubescence orange, abdomen l)lue-black, and abovit two-fifths of
the wings purple. On the same flowers I took the beautiful Eumenes
lepelletieri, Sauss., one of each sex, a fine yellow insect with a black
cross on its abdomen; a pair of the yellow-eyed Tachys^'hex ftuctuafits,
Grerst. ; a male of Odynerus (?) bellatulus,Siinss.; also a Pompilid which
puzzles Mr. Morice, but which he thinks may be Salius hretonii, Guer.
With these was an Egyptian grasshopper, Chrotoyonins liignhris,
Blanch.
We stopped at Tawila (185 m. al)Ove Khartum) to till up with fuel.
Fortunately the process of " wooding " was a slow one and I got ashore
from 1.0 to 4.30 p.m. The terrain was covered with a scanty scrub
just above the level of the river ; the small trees were mostly acacias,
but all were exasperatingly thorny. Collecting was good, in spite of
200 [September,
the wind, nearly all my captures being made at one or two late acacias
that were still in flower. The sense of luirry and the desire to catch as
many things as the time permitted interfered with observation. In
the midst of my work I tore my net very badly, but fortunately the
steamer was not far off and I ran back to get a new one ; curiously
enough, two of my best specimens were taken with the damaged net, in
spite of a hole quite a foot across. Most of my captui'es were by this
time old friends, e.g., Tarneus theophrastus, Fab., two males and a
female; Belenois mesentina, Cram., a solitary male; Teracolus profo-
medla, Klug, a male with a sweet scent ; T. daira, Klug, three males
and two females, one of each sex was unusually large, but on the other
hand one female was a veritable dwarf ; T. eupompe, Klug, seven males
and one female'; T. halimede, Klug, var. leo, Butl., two males and one
female.
But l>esides these old friends I made some new acquaintances, to
wit, Teracolus phisadia, Godt., six of each sex. The male is very pretty
and delicately coloured, being pink with a black border to the wings,
one of them was noted as having a sweet luscious scent ; the female is
sulphur yellow. I also got two T. Calais, Cram, (a Delhi acquaintance),
one of them small. Of Herpsenia eriphia, Grodt., I took one of each
sex, both quite remarkably small specimens. Two old South African
friends also turned up, Leuceronia huquefil, Bsd., a female, and three
Virachola antalns, Hopff.
The only moth that I saw was Sterrlia sacraria, Linn., which I
kicked up. There were but two Aculeates in my bag : a male Eumenes
tinctor, Christ, and a female E. lepeUetieri, Sauss.
Late that afternoon we stopped at Fachi Shoya, on Abba Island
(176 m. above Khartum) , where the Mahdiusedto live. I landed and
collected from 5.15 p.m. to dusk. The following were for the most
part disturbed from grass, &c. : — a nearly typical male Danaida
chrysippus, L., only slightly dusted with white ; it was tenacious of life
and had the characteristic scent ; five females of Teracolus halimede,
Klug ; also a female of T. eupompe, Klug, lacking the red tip. It is
notable that at Tawila, earlier in the day, males prevailed over females.
The female of halimede is variable, the ground colour is usually white,
but in a specimen from Ad Duwem it was yellow ; sometimes
there is a mere trace of the yellow flush, but occasionally it approaches
that of the male, moreover the black markings vary in intensity.
At Fachi Shoya I got a single moth, a Lithosiid which is almost
certainly a new species. A native sailor brought me two beetles,
Rhytinota scabrluscida, Escli., and Mrs. Longstalf found a beetle in our
19111 201
cabin, Pheropsoplius (?) lafertei. Arrow. Tliat \n(f\\i tliere was a violent
gale from the north, wliieh blew out of my cabin two of my precious
Tawila butterflies in their papers ! What they were I shall never know,
but have an impression that they were TeracoU of which I had others.
In spite of the gale a Catocaline Noctuid came to light, Pcmdesma
quenavacU, Grn., a common Indian form.
On my last night on the White Nile, Feb. 20th, above Geteina,
PJiyUodroniia treitliana, Wern., an uncommon cockroach, came to light,
and Herr Schwabacher gave me a Qirpliis loreyi, Dup.
The fauna of the Sudan is extremely interesting from the point of
view of geographical distribution. It may indeed be compared to
S^atzerland, in which country French, Germans, and Italians meet.
The insect fauna of Egypt is essentially Palsearctic in character ; the
great majority of its insects are also to be found in Soutliern Europe.
As examples of Paloearctic species extending through Egypt to the
Sudan the following may be mentioned : — Cirphls loreyi, Dup. ; Euxoa
spinifera, Hb. ; Caradrina exigua, Hb. ; Deilepliila livornica, Esp. ;
XyJocopa leshians, L. ; Eumenes tinctor, Christ ; Coccinella 11-punctata,
L.
Another element is the Oriental, which would appear to have
reached the Sudan through Persia by way of Arabia. Such insects are
Teracohis Calais, Cram. ; Pandesma quenavadi, Gn. ; Noorda hlitealis,
Walk. ; A7'enip)ses sahella, Hinpsn. ; and Copicucullia suhlutea, Graes.
(though perhaps this last may be reckoned as Palsearctic rather than
Oriental) .
Other Sudan insects have a far wider distribution such as Dauaida
chrysippus, L. ; Polyommatus hselicus, L. ; Zizera lysimon, Hiibn. ;
Utetheisa pulchella, L. ; Eromene ocellea, Haw. ; and Sterrha sacraria,'L.
Together with these are the almost cosmopolitan Pyrameis cardui,
L. ; Agrotis tipsilon, Rott. ; and NomophUa noduella, Schiff.
Doubtless many at any rate, if not all, of these common insects are
to be foimd in Uganda, yet the fauna of that coimtry may well be con-
sidered to be characteristically Ethiopian. From Uganda not a few
Ethiopian species have passed to the Sudan, where they meet the Palse-
arctic and Oriental insects previously named. Such are Papilio
demodocus, Esp. ; Catopsilia Jlorella, F. ; Leticeronia buquetii, Bsd. ;
Herpsenia eriphia, Godt. ; Calopieris eulimine, Klug ; Teracohis proto-
media, Klug ; T.daira, Klug ; T. clirysonome, Klug ; T. ephyia, Kluo- ;
T. halimede,'K\\\s; ; T. phisadia, Godt. ; T. eupompe, Klug ; T. liagore,
Klug ; and T. evarne, Klug ; Virachula autalus, Hopft". ; and Lamoria
imbella. Walk.
202 [Septemljer,
So far as luv slight op]3ortumties euahled me to hazard an opmion,
the Palsearctic fauna of Egypt extends almost unchanged as far south
as Wady Haifa. It would, of course, reqiu're much study on the spot
to define the line, if such there be, north of which Ethiopian species do
not range. The line of demarcation may safely be assumed to be dif-
ferent for different species. For instance, the African butterfly,
Oatochrysojjs eleusis, Dem., is as abundant at Abu Simbel in Nubia, and
even at Assouan, as it is at Khartum ; one or two Sudanese moths
also, as I have mentioned, extend into Nubia ; nevertheless, I was dis-
tinctly impressed with the idea that it was south of the Nubian desert,
roughly speaking at the Eiver Atbara, say 17° 30' N., that I first came
in contact with the Ethiopian fauna, though, on the other hand, forms
which occur in the Palsearctic Region were common enough at Khartum
and even south of it, but these were for the most part wide-ranging, if
not actually cosmopolitan species.
The Hon. N. C. Rothschild stayed for some time at Nakheila, on
the Atbara, in 1904, where he and his companions, the Hon. F. R.
Henley and Mr. A. F. N. WoUaston, took several species of Teracolus
and other insects that I met with at Khartum or South of it.* Mr.
Rothschild informs me that he thinks the Teracoli probably extend as
far northwards as the thin Acacia scrub, that is to say to some point
north of the Atbara, but south of Wady Haifa.
It is interesting to compare with my captures those of Mr. W. L.
S. Loat, F.Z.S.,t in 1901 and 1902. Many sj^ecies are common to the
two lists, Imt not only had he somewhat more time than was at my
disposal, biit a large number of his insects were taken as far south as
lat. 5° N., whereas I did not get beyond 12° 40' N. ; it was therefore only
to be expected that, as compared with my captures, his were more
strongly Ethiopian, including, e.g., a Neptis and two species of Acrsea.
Mr. Loat took 11 species of Teracolvs, I took 10 ; six species are com-
mon to the two lists.
As regards the Hymenoptera Mr. Morice writes me : — " I may say
that the only insects I had previously examined from Khartum and the
Wliite Nile, were those taken by the Swedish expedition five or six years
ago, and you have certainly got much more material than they did —
though, strange to say, hardly any of the same species ! "
Highlands, Putney Heath :
June, 1911.
^Novitales Zoohgicce, 1905, pp. 21 — 33.
fOn Lepidnptera from the White Nile, by P. A. IMxcy, JI.D., F.R.S.,
Trans. Eut. Soc, Lond., 1903, p. 141.
1911.) 203
SOME INTEEESTING BRITISH INSECTS (IV)
BY G. T. POKRITT, F.L.S., AND E. K. BANKES, M.A., F.E.S.
(Plate III).
The Plate iu this uiimber contains illustrations of nine species
of Lejiidoptera (inckiding a variety), of which little has been known
in Britain imtil the past few years.
Fig. 1. — Zijgxna trifoUi ab. ohscnra, Tiitt. This very fine form
of Zygxna trifoUi was taken, and bred from cocoons collected from
ling, sparingly, during the three seasons 1908 — 10, by the late Dr. G.
C. Hodgson, in Sussex. It seems to be a parallel variety to the ab.
chrysanthemi, Borkh., of Zygpena filipendnlie, which has also been
taken rarely in England. Dr. Hodgson called the form ab. daimon,
and probably distributed specimens under that name. The form with
confluent spots occurs in the variety as in the type. g. t. p.
Figs. 2, 2(7. — Nonagria neurica, Hubn., ^. — Taken for the first
time iu Britain on July 22nd, 1908, by Messrs. Edwin P. Sharp and
A. J. Wightman, in the Cuckmere Valley of Sussex. Mr. H. M.
Edelsten detected it at once as differing from the species which had
for so many years stood in our Lists and Collections as neurica, and
which must now be labelled arundineta, Schmidt. N. neurica can be
separated immediately by its white collar or crest, which is wanting
in arundiiieta. Other differences are, that in iieurica the central
blackish streak contains three white dots, and the underside is without
marking. It is, too, a more slender insect than the other. Since its
discovery it has been taken in moderate numbers, but as yet, Mr.
Sharp tells me, in only one ditch. Fig. 6a shows the form of the
crest. G. T. p.
Fig. 3. — XyJophasia zoU iko fer i, Frr., ^. — The insect figured was
shaken out of a bunch of dry leaves at Methley, near Leeds, by
Mr. J. T. Wigin, on August 12th, 1910, and is the fifth recorded
specimen taken iu Britain. The previovis records are : one by Mr.
Harding, at Deal, early in October, 1867, and now in the late
Mr. Henry Doubleday's collection at Bethnal Green Museum ; one by
Mr. Tait, at Inverurie, near Aberdeen, in September, 1871 ; one by
Mr. T. A. Lofthouse, at sugar, at Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, on
September 26th, 1903 ; and one by Mr. A. Plunkett, at Carrow, near
Norwich, on September 4th, 1905. It is a very variable species, and
has a fairly wide range in mid Europe, and in Asia, but apparently is
not very common anywhere, and nothing whatever seems to be known
of its life-history. g. t. p.
201 [September,
Fig. ^.^Lujjerina guenrei, DLL ,^ . — TLis species was first
descriLed and named l)y tLe Lite Mr. Henry DouLleday, in the
Entomologists' Annual for 1864, from two out of tliree specimens
taken at Ehyl, in North Wales, Ly Messrs. T. Porter and H.
Stephenson, of Bolton, about 1860 or 1862. Nothing more was heard
of the species until 1889, when Mr. T. Baxter found one on the sand-
hills at St. Anne's-on-Sea, in Lancashire, and another one two years
later in 1891. As the insect was again lost for twenty years, it had
Lecome regarded, Loth in Britain and on the Continent, as a variety
of L. testacea, Lut in 1909, Mr. W. Yates found it again at St. Anne's-
on-Sea, and he and Mr. T. Baxter then succeeded in getting it in
considerable numLers, when its total distinctness from testacea was
apjiarent at once. During last year, 1910, it was again taken Ly
several collectors in large numLers. I have seen two specimens of a
minor variety (in which the pale line which ordinarily runs parallel
with the outer margin is Lroadened out to the Llack marginal lunules,
thus forming a pale stripe), in addition to the melanic form alluded
to it in my note on the species in Ent. Mo. Mag., Nov., 1910, p. 263.
The specimen figured is from my own series.* g. t. p.
Figs. 5, 6 (^, 7 9 . — Xanthia oceUaris, Bkh., seems to have Lean
first taken in Britain Ly Mr. E. H. Taylor and Prof. Eaphael Meldola,
at WimLledon Common and Twickenham, respectively, as long ago as
1893. Odd specimens continued to turn up year after year, Lut it
was not luitil Mr. H. O. Mills turned his attention to it, that much
was known of it as a British insect. From specimens he took in the
Thames Valley in 1907, he reared a consideraLle numLer, and has
puLlished a history of the species in this Journal (Ent. Mo. Mag.,
DecemLer, 1908, pp. 267-9). Prom the Lvood then descriLed, only
what is apparently the ordinai-y form in Britain (Fig. 5) seems to
have Leen Lred, Lut in 1910, a Lrood reared Ly Mr. Mills produced
two other distinct varieties (Figs. 6 and 7), one of them, as will Le
* Since the foregoing was written, Dr. T. A. Chapman and Mr. H. J. Turner have published
(Ent. Hccoi-d, July-August, 1911, pp. 201-5) an account of investigations by themselves, wliich
go far to cstaUish the correctness of their conclusion that this insect is really identical with the
Luperi/na nickerlii of Freyer. A close and careful exuniinatiou (if the genitalia of the two sliow
these organs to be ajiparently absolutely alike ; and althnufjli, admittedly, thei-e is a good deal of
diffci-ence in the ap]iearance of the moths, it seems to be the effect of colour only, the markings
(if lidth apparently being (|iuite similar. On the other hand, had not the genitalia liccn examined,
it is proliable tliat their distinctness as species would not have been doubted ; and as our insular
form is, contrary to general experience, as compared with the usual tendency of Continental
\ariati()n, much the paler foi-m ; and that, too, though occurring on ground which flistinctly
produces melanism in a number of other Nocture ; it .seems advisable to await further evidence
as to similarity of the eggs, larva;, &ic., before we can be quite certain that both belong to nickerlii.
Moreover, it is likely that Gmincie was (juite familiar with 7!icte-/u, and if so, nuist have been
thoroughly satisfied as to the distinctness of (juened, or he would not have concurred in Double-
day's suggestion to name it after himself. Nick-erlii, too, is rei)orted as rare <m the Continent
wliereas guem'ei, although local, is almndant on the spots it does frequent. — G. T. P. '
1911.] 205
seen from the Plate (Fig. 6), very similar indeed to a form of the
well known elm-feeding Xanthia gilvago, Esp. X. ocellaris feeds
on poplar. g. t. p.
Fig. 8. — Ophiusa stoJida, Fab., ^. — The specimen figured of this
beautiful South European Noctua was taken, at sugar, at G-almpton,
on the South Devon Coast, by Mr. J. Jager, on September 23rd, 1903.
Its condition was so absolutely fresh, and for a Noctua the species is
so frail, that it seems impossible for it to have been an immigrant.
And that it had been bred on the spot is still more probable, in that
large old bramble bushes (the food plant), which have apparently not
been disturbed for many years, abound at the place. Further search
in different years, both by Mr. Jager and myself, however, have failed
to produce another, and so it remains at present the only British
captured example. The specimen is in Mr. Jitger's collection.
G. T. p.
Fig. 9. — Gelechia (Lita) salicornue, Hering. (Stgr. and Ebl.
Cat. 2703 ; Meyr. HB. Br. Lp. 592). The references and life-history
of this species are given at length in Ent. Mo. Mag., XXX (2nd ser., V),
80, 188-90 (1894), and coloured figures by Mrs. Richardson have
been published in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and
Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XVII, PI. 12, fig. 2 (1896), but as this
work is likely to be inaccessible to many Entomologists, the figure of
the imago is here reprodviced. e. r. b.
Figs. 10, 10a. — Argyresthia (?) decimella, Stn. (Stgr. and Rbl.
Cat. 2413). — An account of all we know about the unique example of
this species will be found in Ent. Mo. Mag., XXXIV (2nd ser., IX),
pp. 263-4 (1878). The species was described by Stainton, Suppl.
Cat. Br. Tin. and Pter. p. 10, sp. 61 (1851) : the only published figure
is that given in F. O. Morris's Nat. Hist, of Brit. Moths, Vol. IV,
PI. 116, fig. 6, p. 150 (1870) from a drawing by the late J. Jenuer
Weir. The exact record of this specimen was, apparently. Champion
Hill, Camberwell, Surrey: June, 1850. Fig. 10a represents the labial
palpus. E. R. B.
Fig. 11. — Aristotelia tetragoneUa, Stn. (Stgr. and Ebl. Cat. 2816 ;
Meyr. HB. Br. Lp. 577). This species, which was described by
Stainton, Ent. Mo. Mag., XXII, 99 (1885) as Gelechia tetragoneUa, is
now figured for the first time since its discovery in England in 1881.
Snellen recorded A. tetragoneUa from Holland in 1889, from specimens
taken at Bergen-op-Zoom, in July, 1876 ; Staudinger and Eebel
206 [September,
(1901), aucl Spiiler (1910) do not extend the distribution. It lias
been found, as regards the British Isles, in but three localities, viz.,
Isle of Purbeck (Dorset), King's Lynn (Norfolk), and " near Eedcar "
(either in Yorkshire or Durham). The larva feeds on Glaux mari-
tima ; an account of its life-history will be found in Ent. Mo. Mag.,
Vol. XXXIII (2nd ser. VIII), pp. 5-7 (1897). e. r. b.
June, 1911.
NOTES ON THE EARLY STAGES OF NONAGRIA NEURICA, Hb.,
IN SUSSEX.
by h. m. edelsten, f.e.s.
(Plate IIIa).
The capture of Nonagria neurica in England for the first time by
Mr. E. P. Sharp, in July, 1908 (Entomologist, xli, pp. 270-1), made
me hopefial that at last I might work out its early stages. Accordingly,
on June 5th, 1909, I went down to Sussex. Mr. Sharp met me and
most kindly took me to the locality. I thought the larva might feed
in the same way as that of N. arundineta, whose presence is apparent
l/y the withered top of the reed, and, sure enough, it did.
At first we were put off l)y larvae of Nonagria geminijmncta and
Calamia j)/^rrt(/»^i'//(?^s, and the larva of some fly, but at last we found
a different larva that looked very like that of N. armulineta, except
that it was not quite so pink along the back. We managed to get
about two dozen between us, which produced imagines at the end of
July and early August. Eggs were laid on August 4th within the
sheathing leaf of a dead reed stem. The egg is of the usual Nonagrid
type, coin-shaped, with sides ribbed, about |-1 mm. in diameter.
Colour when first laid whitish, afterwards becoming greyish-ochreous.
They commenced to hatch on May lOtli.
The fiill-fed larva noted on June 20th was 25 mm. long, of a shining dirty
white color, with a very faint tinge of pink in it. Segments tinted with violet
posteriorly. Head very deeply indented, color blackish-brown. Thoracic and
anal plate greyish-brown ; anal plate dotted with numerous tubercles. The
dorsal line is very faint, but the spiracvilar lines are dark grey, and show up
much more than the dorsal line. Pro-legs whitish, true legs greyisli-yellow.
The anal claspers are rather dark marked. The body is covered with numerous
tubercles, bxit they are not so distinct in the full-fed larva as they are in its
earlier stages.
i When small it is most difiicult to distinguish from that of
N. geviirnpuncta. The larva is distinct from that of N. arundineta,
1011.] 207
but does not quite bear out Wilde's statement that it is " of a bluish
grey colour." The larva feeds in the same way as that of arundineta,
entering the reed stem about half way up just above a node, and
feeding on the inner lining of the reed. When full-fed it leaves the
stem and enters an old stem low down, it makes its emergence hole at
the base of the reed, and then walks up the stem as far as the node,
makes its puparium, and pupates head downwards.
The pupa is 16 mm. long and very slender, of a bright yellowish
brown colour and with a distinct beak. The kremaster is furnished
with many small hooks and bristles. The spiracles are very prominent.
As regards the imago, the Continental specimens are paler than ours,
especially the Vienna ones, which are of a yellowish olive colour. In
addition to the type, we have bred two forms not previously known
on the Continent : (1) a blackish-brown form, for which I suggest
the name "fusca," and (2), a reddish form, which I call " riifesceiis."
The insect is extremely local, only occurring in one very small spot
at present.
The photographs are by Mr. Hugh Main.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE IIIa.
1. Stem showing —
(a) Entrance hole of larva.
(b) Emergence hole of imago.
2. (a) Pupa in situ.
(b) Emergence hole of imago.
3 and 4. Pupa. ^
5 and 6. Larva. C (Enlarged).
7. Ova in situ, j
Forty Hill, Enfield:
August nth, 1911.
ON A NEW SPECIES OF BARIS FROM THE SUDAN.
BY GUY A. K. MARSHALL, F.E.S.
Baris lorata, s^. nov.
General coloiu- chestnut-brown ; the head and rostrum bare ; the prothorax
with a longitvidinal stripe on each side composed of broad white and yellowish
brown scales ; elytra rather paler, with a post-median lateral dark brown or
blackish patch extending from the margin to the sixth or fifth stria;, and with
the following markings composed of broad scales : — a lai-ge patch surroiinding
2 OS [September,
the Ininioral angle, brownish yellow dorsally and white laterally, lying between
the fifth and tentli stria? and extending from the base for one-third the length
of the elytra ; a small spot just behind tlie scutellum, composed of six or seven
scales and varying from white to yellowish brown ; and lastly, a large common
apical patch of mixed white and yellow scales, enclosing a dark bare spot on
each elytron and having its anterior margin deeply sinuated at the suture ; the
pygidiiun closely covered with much smaller scales ; the sternmn and the median
area of the venter clothed with large oblong white or yellowish scales.
Head minutely aciculate and with scattered pimctures anteriorly. Rostrum
stout, veiy strongly curved in the basal half, with coarse confluent punctation
at the base, shiny and sparsely piuictured anteriorly. Antennse testaceous
brown, with sparse scale-like v\hite setaj ; joint one of the fiinicle about equal
to the three succeeding joints together, and joint seven connate with the club.
ProtJwrax as long as the basal width, very slightly narrowed from the base to
beyond the middle, then more rapidly narrowed to the apex, the base strongly
bisinuate, the median lobe truncate, the upper surface evenly covered with deep
and closely set punctures. Elytra broader than the prothorax, broadest at the
shoulders and gradiially narrowed behind, the posterior callus absent, the apices
jointly rounded, the sidci deep and containing large ill-defined punctures, the
intervals not broader than the svdci and each with a single row of small distant
punctures, from each of which springs a broad recumbent blackish scale-like
seta. Legs covered throughout with separated elongate white scales, the two
basal joints of the tarsi of equal width, claws free.
Long., 2~ ; lat., 1 mm.
Hah. : Anglo-Egyptian Sudan : Khartoum, July, 1910 (H. H.
King) .
Type $ ill tlie Britisli Museum.
The very characteristic markings of this pretty little Baris readily dis-
tiiig-uish it from any other described African species of the genus. I
have seen three females only, which were bred by Mr. King in July,
1910, from larvts found boring in the stems of Portulaca oleracea, an
edible plant used for salads. The species will be figured in the forth-
coming Report of the Wellcome Research Laboratories.
ON C'EUTHORRHYNCHUS MARGTNATUS, Payk., AND SOME ALLIED
SPECIES.
BY JAMES EDWARDS, F.E.S.
I propose to discuss here C. onarginaius, Payk., 0. punciiger,
Gyll., G. mtiUeri, Thoms., G. rotundatus, Bris., G. mljlleri, Schultze,
nee Thoms., and, incidentally, GeutJwrrhynchidius distinctus, Bris.
There is a considerable literature dealing with the species in question,
•911.] 209
but of the cliiiracters therein relied upuii fur their separation some are
certainly illusory and others are subject to great variation, so that one
frequently meets with specimens which cannot be certainly determined
without reference to the secondary sexiial characters ; indeed, it may
be said that G. aimillimus, (nom. nov. for C. w/iUeri, Schultze) can
only be distinguished from C. maryinahis, Paylc, by the difference in
the last ventral segment of the niale. These secondary sexual charac-
tei's are worthy of consideration in detail. In the males the last
ventral segment has next the hind margin a depression occupying
about one-third of the width, and one-half of the length of the seg-
ment ; this depression is bounded on each side by an elevation which
is either as long as the depression {puncUger) , evident only near the
middle of the segment (marguiatus), or most evident at the hind
margin (mulleri, simiUimus) ; the pygidium is deeply grooved in
puuctiger, and feebly notched in the other species. In the females the
last ventral segment has a deep narrow groove reaching from the
middle of the hind margin aboiit half way across the segment {imnc-
tiger), a feeble oval depression in a similar situation (marginatus), or
is simple (miiJleri, simiUimus) ; the pygidium is deeply grooved {imnc-
tiger), very indistinctly notched (iniJUeri), or entire {marginatus, simil-
limvs). C. marginatus, G. ])unctiger, and G. m'uJleri (rotundat^is) are
dealt with by Cox (Handbook Col. ii, p. 135) and Fowler (Col. Brit.
Isl., V, pp. 344, 345), but in neither case in a manner which would
indicate first-hand knowledge of the insects, and the latter author was
mistaken in supposing that violleri (rotiindatus) was entirely omitted
by Bedel ; on the contrary , M. Bedel characterizes the species in Col.
Bass. Seine, VI, p. 169, and on p. 427 refers to its capture at Yport by
St. Claire Deville.
Eeviewing the material before me, I would separate the species
as follows : —
1 (6). — Hau--scales on the elytra ochreoiis, the white sctitellar patch therefore
very conspicuous.
2 (5). — Pygidiiira of female not strongly groovod.
3 (4). — Last ventral segment in male with a broad depression near the middle,
bounded on the hind margin by a ridge ; on either side of this depres-
sion a triangular naked forwardly directed tooth, which is quite free
from the hind margin of the segment marginatus, Payk.
4 (3). — Last ventral segment in male with a large crescent-shaped depression,
each horn of the crescent ending on the hind margin in a blunt
elevation or tooth [simiUimus, nom. nov.
{molleri, Schultze).]
210 [September,
5 (2). — Pygidium of female strongly grooved. Last ventral segment in male
bearing on either side near the hind margin a large ridge-like tooth,
which reaches about half the length of the segment ; the space
between the apices of these teeth excavated in a continuous curve,
and not bounded on the hind margin by a ridge. Last ventral segment
in female with a deep narrow groove reaching from the middle of the
hind margin about half way across the segment punctiger, Gyll.
6 (1). — Hair-scales on the elytra albo-cinereous, the white scutellary patch
therefore inconspicuous. Last ventral segment in male with a large
crescent-shaped depression, each horn of the crescent ending on the
hind margin in a blunt elevation or tooth. Pygidium scarcely per-
ceptibly notched in either sex molleri, Thoms.
[rotundatus, Bi'is.).
C. manjmatus, Payk. — This may be distiuguislied from all its
allies, except simUlimus, by the deep irregularly confluent puncturation
of the thorax, and a certain square and flat appearance of the front
half of the elytra ; the interstices of the la,W:-er are wide and flat, the
striae relatively narrow, and the sides and apex more evidently tuber-
culated than in the allied species. C. marginatus exhibits two well-
marked structural aberrations ; in one, the Ceuthorrhynchidius distinc-
tus of Brisout, the funiculus is six-jointed, and on comparison of the
antennse with those of normal marginatum, it is evident that this
condition arises from the absence of the suture which would convert
the long third joint of the funiculus of dlstiiidm into the joints three
and four proper to margmafns. Of this aberration I have examined
eight specimens in coll. Champion from the localities following : Deal,
1 (;^, 3 $ (1 (J, 2 $ on the same occasion), Chatham, 1 ^, Arundel,
1 (^ , Weybridge, 1 ? , and Eeigate, 1 ^ ; at Deal, Chatham, and
Arundel marginatus pi-oper occurred on the same occasion, and I have
myself , taken ab. distindus at Colesborne, where veritable marginattis
also occurs. Of the aberration which is distinguished by having the
funiculus of one antenna six- jointed and the other seven- jointed, and
which might conveniently be called ab. inRMfuaUs, I have seen but one
specimen ; this is a male in coll. Champion, and was taken at Deal in
1873 by Commander Walker, who captured ab. distindus on the same
occasion ; another is recorded by Eye in Ent. Mo. Mag., vi, p. 229.
The view here adopted with regard to the relation of ab. distindifs and
ab. inxqnalis to C. marginatus is confirmed by the fact that all Mr.
Champion's specimens, as well as my OAvn, exhibit in both sexes the
secondary sexual characters proper to tnarginatus.
G. similUmus, nom. nov. (mu7Zeri, Schultze). — This species is de-
scribed in considerable detail by A. Schultze (Deutsche Ent. Zeitschr.,
1911.] 211
1895, p. 434), l)ut after exainiiiiug specimens kindly sent to nie l)y
l)r. Everts, who finds the insect commonly in grass fields on Taraxa-
ctim officinale and allied Compositae, I can only distinguish it from mar-
ginatus by the secondary sexual characters of the male ; I quite fail to
appreciate the difference in contour when seen from the side, which is
one of the main features of Schultze's diagnosis. Schultze records the
species from all parts of Germany, from Italy, Hungary, Turkey, and
East Russia. I have not hitherto seen British examples.
C. punctiger, G-yll.— This species is in most cases distinguished
from the two preceding by the broadly ovate elytra, and sometimes by
having the thorax covered with non-confluent deep close circular punc-
tures ; the latter is the state described by Bedel, and the prevalent form
here at Colesborne, where I have met with the species very sparingly
since 1894. The puncturation of the thorax is not to be relied on as a
distinguishing character, because confluence of the punctures occurs
in varying degrees, though not so extensively as in marginatus and
simillimus. C. punctiger may, however, be easily known in either sex
by the very distinct groove on the pygidium. Mr. Champion sends
me specimens from the New Forest and Caterham.
C. molleri, Thorns, (rotundahis, Bris.). — Of this very distinct
species Dr. Bengtsson has been good enough to lend me two males
from Thomson's collection, now in the University Musemn at Lund,
and these I have, by the courtesy of Mr. Hugh Scott, of the University
Museum of Zoology, Cambridge, been able to compare with the only
specimen marked Gevtliorrliyncliidius rotundatus, in Crotch's British
collection, and which is presumably referred to in Ent. Mo. Mag., viii,
p. 83, as taken by Crotch near London, and confirmed by M. Brisout ;
there are also four examples, from Caterham and Eeigate, in coll.
Champion, and Dr. Sharp tells me that he has one. This species has
the elytra broadly ovate, as in punctiger, but the interstices are
evidently narrower in proportion to the striae, and the colour of the
hair-scales is, normally, quite distinctive. Brisout, however, says of
the hair- scales " cendrees ou d'un cendre-brunatre " ; I have not seen
any British specimens of this latter form, but an example sent by Dr.
Everts clearly belongs to it. C. m'ulleri has the tuberculation of the
sides and apex of the elytra less evident than in the other species, but
it is nevertheless present.
Colesboi'iie : August 4:th, 1911.
2L2 (September,
SPANISH AND MOORISH MWROLEPIDOPTERA.
BY THE RIGHT HON. LORD WALSIXGIIAM, M.A , LL.D., F.R S., A^c.
^Continued from Vol. XLIV, p. 229 (1908)].
GELECHIADAE.
348. SYMMOCA, Hb.
3040'1. Symmoca alhambrella, sp. n.
Antennae brownish cinereous. Palpi Avith the median joint brownish fus-
cous, tipped with whitish ; terminal joint white, dvisted with brownish fuscovis.
Head greyish cinereous ; face wliitish. Thorax whitish, dusted with brownish
fuscotis. Foreivings whitish cinereous-i dusted and shaded with brownish fus-
cous, of which tliere is a rather thick sprinkling at the base ; a broken fascia,
attenuated downward from costa to dorsum at one-third, containing a darker
spot on tlae fold and another at the upper edge of the cell ; a Ijroader slightly
oblique transverse band just beyond the middle, containing a pair of darker
spots, one above the other at the end of the cell ; and a broad transverse patch,
straight on its inner edge but convex on its outer side, separated from the
thickly sprinkled apex and termen by a narrow, outwardly convex, wliitish band ;
there is a slight tinge of ochreous along the cell, and the costal origin of the
third pale intermediate band is yellowish ; cilia whitish cinereous, diisted with
brownish fuscous. Ex]?. al. 13-14 mm. Hiyulwings brownisli fuscous ; cilia
brownish grey. Abdomen brownisli grey. Legs pale brownish cinereous, the
tarsi barred with brownish fuscous.
Type ? (86060) . Mus. Wlsm. British Museum.
Hab.: Spain: gkanada : Granada, 10.VI.1901 (WJsm.).
Four specimens, taken in the Generalife Gardens, among Cypress.
This species is very near to tofoseUa Rbl., but the second dark band is
not interrupted nor indented on its outer side, and the dark subapical
shade is much wider than in that species.
SOME INDIAN URACILARIADS.
BY E. MEYRICK, B.A., P.R.S.
I am desired to publish the following species of GracUariadie, bred
at the Agricultural Institute, Pusa, by the Imperial Entomologist and
his staff, in order that they may be quoted in official publications.
LiTHOCOLLETIS CONISTA, n. Sp.
J ? . 6 mm. Head ochreous- whitish. Thorax bronzy-ochreous. Fore-
wings lanceolate ; shining bronzy-ochreous ; two slender, white, transverse
fasciffi slightly beyond one-fouith and in middle, angulated in middle, sufCusedly
edged anteriorly with black irroration ; two whitish streaks irrorated with
1911.] 213
black from costa before and beyond thi'ee-fovu'ths, connected together in disc,
and with a similar streak from tornus ; cilia whitish, basal half round apex
and termen pale shining bronzy-ochreous sprinkled with black. Hind-wings
grey ; cilia gi-ey-whitish.
Hab. : PusA, Bengal, bred in June from larvae mining leaves of
Triumfetta neglecta (Tiliacex) ; two specimens (Fletcher).
ACROCERCOPS ACIDULA, n. Sp.
S 'i ■ 6 mm. Head whitish, more or less partially suffused with dark fus-
cous. I'alpi whitish with throe dark fuscoiis bands. Thorax fuscous, irrorated
with darker, posteriorly with some whitish scales. Fore-wings elongate-lanceo-
late ; pui'plish-fuscous irrorated with dark fuscous ; three slender yellow-
whitish transverse fasciae edged with some blackish scales, first at one-fourth,
rather oblique, tending to be interrupted near dorsum, second median, direct,
third at four-fifths, slightly incurved, hardly reaching termen ; cilia greyish,
with rows of blackish noints. Hind-wings and cilia grey.
Hab. : PusA, bred in June from larvae mining leaves of Albizzia
stipulata (Legiiminosee) ; three specimens (Fletcher).
AcROCERCOPS TELESTIS, n. Sp.
cj V . 7-S mm. Head whitish. Palpi whitish, second joint fuscous except
apex, terminal joint with two fuscous rings. Thorax light brownish. Ab-
domen white, on dorsum suffvised with grey, on sides with series of oblique
black marks. Fore- wings very narrowly elongate-lanceolate ; light brownish,
costal edge dark fuscoiis ; markings white, edged with fuscous ; some strigula?
at base and on basal portion of dorsum ; a slender irregular slightly oblique
transverse fascia at one-foiu-th, enclosing a dark fuscous dot on dorsum ; two
dots on costa and one on dorsum beyond this ; a slender median fascia, furcate
on lower half to enclose a triangular dorsal spot of ground colovir ; an elongate
spot on costa beyond this : a rather inwardly oblique slender fascia at three-
qviarters, also furcate on lower half to enclose a triangrdar dorsal spot of
ground colour ; beyond this a slightly upcurved longitudinal black mark edged
above with white ; two costal wedge-shaped strigulse before apex, second edged
posteriorly with black ; cilia gi'ey, round apex with a whitish basal shade and
black median line. Hind-wings rather dark grey ; cilia grey ; in $ beneath
with a long dark grey hair-pencil from base.
Hab. : PusA, bred in August from larva) mining leaves of Trewia
nudiflora (Euphorbiacese) ; three specimens (Maxwell-Lefroy).
Thornhanger, Marlborough :
June '30th, 1911
214! [September,
Caustic fluid of Carabus violaceus. — Strolling along a road at Monk Soham
aboiit late dusk (9.15 p.m.) on July loth, I picked up a Carabus violaceus
which was running across it, and, on account of the failing light, held it close to
my eyes to see its species. Instantly two squirts of fluid (which bvu-ned exactly
as did caustic acid some facial moles when I was a boy at school) struck me
on the cheek just below the eye, raising small white blisters, which became red
in half an hotir or so, and shortly disappeared. — Claude Morlet, Monk Soham,
Suffolk : 24:th July, 1911.
Atheta 2nci2ycnnis, Mann., in the New Forest. — I have taken several specimens
of this insect recently in carcases of rabbits near Brockenhvu-st. Having devoted
a good deal of time dviring June and July to work in this habitat, I record the fol-
lowing as well, all having been met with in sufficient numbers (except when
otherAvise noted) to exclude them being reckoned as "strays" : — A. occulta, Er.,
A. corvina, Th., A.jmberula, Sharp (two only), A. ca^icsccns. Sharp, A. cadavcrina,
Bris., and A. cribrata, Kr. A. sordidula, Er., is common in the district, with A.
cin^iaynoptcra, Tli., in dry dung, and only occasionally occiu' as strays in carcases.
— M. Cameron, H.M.S. Attentive, Home Fleet: Idth July, 1911.
Aleochara discipennis, 3Iuls., in the New Forest. — Yesterday I had the
pleasiu-e of taking a fine fresh specimen of tliis insect, in horse-diing, in
the New Forest. It is not likely to be confounded with any species of the
genus other than those having a red mark on each wing-case, and from most of
these it is easily distinguished by its more slender antennaj. The red-marked
elytra and comparatively slender antennae bring it nearest perhaps to A. cuni-
culorum. But discipennis is about twice the size of the largest cutiic^dorxim ; it
has darker legs and the base of the antenna is black. There is also a good deal
of diffex"enee in the scvdptiu-e of the two sjDecies. A. discipennis has been found
throughout Central Europe, from France to the Caucasus, but is everywhei*e
rare, and I anticipate that it will prove to be very scarce in this country.* It
is placed by Mulsant and Eey in the sub-genus Polychara of Baryodma. —
D. Sharp, Brockenhurst : Aiujust Hjth, 1911.
Note on the food-plant of Nanophyes gracilis, Redt. — Since I first met witli
this interesting little weevil, at Esher, in August, 1873, and subsequently at
Tilgate, Woking, and Brockenhurst, its food-plant has always been an enigma
to me, though it is said by continental authorities to have been found on Lotus
uligi7iosus and Erica cinerea. On August 5th, however, I found specimens of it
under more than one plant of Peplis portula (water purslane), in a dried up
pond near Woking. Peplis belongs to the Lythracese, and it seems to me to be
far more likely to be the actual food-plant than either Lotus or Erica ; in fact,
I have no recollection of seeing either of these latter in some of the localities
where the beetle occui-s. — G. C. Champion, Horsell, Woking : August Uth, 1911.
Criocephalus ferus, Muls., near Guildford. — A female of this species has
recently been broiight me from Guildford. It was found on July 24th crawling
* This specie.s has been recorded as British in Ent. Mo. Mag., xliii, pp. 102, 103 (l!>u7).— G. C. C.
1911.] 215
oil the coat of a younjj friend of iiiiiie in his house at that place, the day after
he had walked beneath some burnt i3ines a few miles from the town. C. ferus
therefore seems to be spreading in Surrey, as it was also taken (singly) in a
fresh locality in the Woking district on August 7th. It has almost disappeared
from its old habitat at Horsell, a single example only having been taken as yet
this season, on August 8th. I have myself found it either on my coat or about
the house after arriving home from a walk in the pine-woods, showing that
the beetle possesses extraordinary clinging powers. — Id.
The habitat of Eristalis xneus, Scoi). — At the northern end of Constantine
Bay, St. Merryn, Cornwall, the shore consists of shelving layers of contorted
slate sloping down from a height of about 15 feet. These shelves contain many
rock pools of different sizes, most of which at different periods are filled by the
sea. Those high up are rarely filled and either dry vip completely or are sup-
plied with fresh water from small springs ; those a little lower down get filled
only at the high spring tides (which have an amplitude of some 30 feet), and
even then only if those tides coincide witli a ground sea. Every gradation
exists down to pools filled every tide. On examining the spot about June 19th,
I noticed the presence of rat-tailed larvaj in some of the pools that are only filled
at the spring tides. The dimples formed by their tails were about one per two
square inches, and covered several square feet, so that there was quite a large
colony. It appeared that some weeks before there had been a heavy sea that
filled these pools with sea-wrack and weed, which was subsequently covered up
to a great extent with sand. The hot weather that followed caused active
decomposition to set in, so that the pools became filled with the rotting debris
and a sort of evil smelling " soup." Some of the pools were tinged deep red
with the colour extracted from the weed, and were full of various larvae, such
as Chironomus and Fucomyia. In certain somewhat shallower pools the Eris-
talis larvas were found, their bodies being in the rotting weed at the bottom, or
more rarely buried in the sand l^elow, with the tube only showing.
Normally the situation is such that the high spring tide sweeps out the
pools, but the previous springs had been accompanied by exceptionally smooth
seas, so that they did not distiu-b the pools, and hence the favourable conditions
lasted longer than usual. The spring tides of June 26th were accompanied by
a moderate ground sea, and the pools were mostly swept by the waves, so that
a great many of the larvas were destroyed. On the return of the neaps the
conditions quickly reverted to their former state, but there r.nnained but one
small colony of Eristalis, and that in a fairly sheltered nook in one of the pools.
This colony was progressing well when I left on July 13th, and the perfect
insect was flying about the site.
The habitat is such that the pools are exposed for many consecutive days
to the hot sun without any chance of replenishment of the water, so that the
salinity must vary considerably, and this is apparently without harm to the
larvae. Aboiit June 22nd several larvae were taken from the pool and placed in
glass vessel containing water and weed from the pool ; this vessel was placed
in a tray with a few inches of sand in it, and a strip of slate was placed in the
S 2
216
[September,
vessel so tliat the larvas could crawl out and drop into the sand to pupate.
The whole was placed in the snn, and the water soon evaporated down to about
one-third its original amount. The vessel was then replenished with rain
water ; this was done some two or three times, and in spite of the sudden and
great variations in salinity, the larvae prospered well, pupated, and emerged
about July 20th. — C. G. Lamb, Zoological Laboratory, Cambridge : Aug., 1911.
A case of antennal teratology in the Diptera. — Among several specimens of
Ptilonota guttata, Mg. (Ortalidx), which were taken at Tatsfield, Surrey, at
the end of last May, one exhibited a remarkable teratology of one antenna.
This is shown in the figures, and it will be seen that there is an extra tliird joint
which apparently consists of two fused together, and two complete additional
aristas. The upper figure sho-\vs the head with the two antenna, the lower
figure is an enlarged view of the left antenna seen from above. A is the normal
arista, B and C the accessory ones. U is the accessory fused third joint ; its
double nature is evident from the fact that, when viewed perpendicularly to
the tip, the latter is seen to be deeply sulcate in the plane of the joint. The
demarcation between the normal third joint H and the accessory one G, is not
quite so definite as shown in the figure, except in the particular view figured.
The accessory aristas are complete and well formed, but are a little smaller
than the normal one as shown in the lower figure ; the parts indicated by D and
E in that figure are both portions of the normal third joint, biit owing to a well
marked convexity in the side of that joint, a distinct line of demarcation is
visible on viewing the antenna in tlie direction in wliich the view is drawn.
1911.] 217
It will be noticed tliat the accessory structures agree with Bateson's view
of such cases.
The species seems somewhat ixnstable. There are often accessory veinh'ts in
the wings, and the acrosticlial bristles vary in number and in their arrange-
ment. It appears to be of interest to put this case on record, as antennal tera-
tology in the Diptera seems very rare. I cannot trace any recent records of such
a case, and the present one is the only one that has come under my observation.
This is confirmed by Dr. D. Sharp and Mr. J. E. Collin, bo<h of whom inform me
that in their experience they have not met with such a case. — Id. : Aug., 1911.
Colias hyale in Oxfordshire. — On August 16th, while Mr. J. Collins and I
were hunting for Coleoptera at the celebrated " peat-pits " at Weston-on-the-
Green, Oxon, we caught sight of a distinguished-looking butterfly among the
" Whites " and other common species in a patch of lucerne adjoining the marsh.
A determined joint effort at its capture with our heavy sweeping-nets natiu-ally
resulted in failiu-e, but we both got to sufficiently close quarters with the insect
to see that it was a very fine freshly emerged J of Colias hyale. — James J*
Walker, Oxfoi-d: August 18th, 1911.
Vanessa cardui in N. Marine, Shetland. — On Tuesday morning, 25th July,
between 9 and 10, I watched for some time a fine specimen of the " Painted
Lady," as it fluttered about or basked in the sunshine by the roadside near the
manse. — James Waterston, The Manse, Ollaberry, Shetland: August, 1911.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, June 8th, 1911.— Dr. T. A. Chapman, F.Z.S., in the Chair.
Mr. H. W. Andrews exhibited many species of the Dipterous family,
Syrphidsa, most of them being from Kent. Capt. P. A. Cardew, an example of
Anarta cordigera, from Eannoch, in which the hind margin and base of the
fore-wings were of an unusually pale grey. Mr. S. Blenkarn, more than 150
species of Coleoptera taken in the Isle of Wight from April 23rd to May 10th,
mostly Geodephaga. Among them were Tachyusa umbratica and Galerucella
calmariensis, new to the district. Mr. Gadge, a box of Lepidoptera set so that
the pin did not show through the thorax. Mr. Edwards, a box of the species
comprising the genus Charaxes, and a larva of Diloba caeruleocephala, feeding on
laurel. Dr. Chapman, living larvae of Callophrys avis, from the south of France .
July 15th, 1911.— Mr. W. J. Kaye, F.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. Percy Harris, of Streatham HiU, was elected a Member.
Mr. Tonge, ova of Manduca atropos dissected from a captured $ by the
Rev. C. E. N. BiUTOws. They were infertile, but an ovum laid previously had
produced a larva which he now exhibited in the 3rd instar. Mr. Dennis
showed some remarkably light coloured pupa; of Vanessa io from Clan don.
Mr. R. Adkin, a series of Biston hirtaria that had remained for three winters in
218 [September,
pupae and contributed notes. Mr. West (Ashtead), a series of Dianthoicia
cai:)sincola, bred from Silene in his own garden, and a captured headless moth
of Xylophasia hepatica. Mr Blenkarn, a selection of Abraxas grossulariata,
bred from about 25(X) Gateshead larvse. Two nice asymmetrical forms were
perhaps the most striking of a scarcely more than ordinary series. Mr. Jiiger,
a series of twelve Callimorpha hera, bred on June 22nd of this year, quite a
month earlier than he had ever bred the species before. Mr. W. J. Kaye, a
fine aberration of Mifuas tilise, with the usual transverse fascia of the fore-
wings reduced to a very small elongated central spot. Mr. Step read the
Report of the Delegates to the Annual Congress of the South Eastern Union of
Scientific Societies held at St. Albans in June. — Ht. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
f\cuifiuf).
A Monograph of the Anopheline Mosquitoes of India. By Drs.
James and Liston. Second Edition, re-written and enlai'ged. Price, ^£1 5s.,
from Messrs. Thacker & Co., 2, Creed Lane, London, E.G.
The arrangement of the chai^ters and the number of coloured plates are
the same as in the first Edition published in 1904, but whereas in that Edition
the authors were veiy much oj^posed to the use of differences in scale structiire
for the purposes of classification, in the present Edition they have adopted it.
It is to be noted, however, that the conclusions they arrive at often differ from
those of Theobald, and they state that their classification applies to the females
only, and the scale ornamentation of male anophelines is sometimes different from,
that of female anophelines (v, p. 68).
They recognise 12 genera (4 being described as new), and about 30 species
(2 new) with 5 varieties (2 new), and give elaborate directions as to the way to
proceed in naming a species. The authors evidently consider that the mention
of the generic name, I'seudomyzomyia, by Theobald in tlie Errata and Addenda
at the beginning of Vol. iv of his Monogr. Culic. (1907), does not constitute
publication, for they have re-named the genus Nyssomyzomyia. In this they
may be right, but their Nyssorhynchus maculipalpis, as it is not Giles' species
of that name, must be known as indiensis, Theobald ; it cannot be called maculi-
palpis, James and Liston. The whole work is profusely illustrated, and is a
genuine and probably successful attempt to enable fellow-workei-s to name the
Anopheline Mosquitoes of India.
A Handbook of the Tsetse-Flies. By Ernest E. Austen. Printed by
Order of the Trustees of the British Museum. Pp. xx, 110, ten Plates and
one Map.
This Handbook is a usefvil addition to the works on this subject, as it
brings together the results of all the work on the genus since the author
piiblished his "Monograph" in 1903. It is only necessary to mention that
fifteen species ai-e dealt with, in the place of seven in the Monograph, to shoAV
19110 219
the great sti-ides that have been made in our knowledge of these flies during
the last eight years, while a comparison of the map with that published in the
Monograph, shows at a glance the remai'kable increase in our knowledge of the
distribution of these insects. Most of the plates and figvires are reproductions
of those appearing in the Monograph, the new plates being those of G. cali-
ginea, G. tachinoides, G. brevipalpis (G. fusca of the Monogi'aph re-di-awn), and
true G. fusca. The two new species described are G. fuscipleuris and G. medi-
corum, while the author considers that maculata, Newstead, is a synonym of
palpajns, and suhmorsitans, Newstead, only a form of morsitans. There is every
appearance of gi-eat care having been taken in the preparation of this Hand-
book, and its publication should be welcomed by those interested in the study
of these particiilar flies.
A TRIP TO SARDINIA IN 1910.
BY G. C. CHAMPION, F.Z.S.
In 1894 (Trans. Eut. Soc. Loud., pp. 225-242) I published an
account of an Entomological excursion to Corsica. I propose now to
record briefly my experiences in Sardinia, in 1910, when my friends,
MM. A. Dodero and F. Solari, of Grenoa, kindly invited me to join
tliem in an excursion to that island. Leaving Genoa by the night
train on May 26th, we reached Civita Vecchia early the next morning,
spent the day there, and then took the steamer starting in the evening
for the Sardinian port of Golfo Aranci, arriving there the following
morning at 4 a.m. Our objective point being Aritzu, on the western
slope of the Grennargentu range of mountains, in the central portion
of the island, a very long detoui" by train had to be made to reach that
place, first to Cagliari (12 hours), and then again northward, by a
narrow gauge line to Aritzu (8 hours) , this branch terminating at the
little inland village of Sorgono. Three days were spent at Cagliari
(May 28th — 30tli), and Aritzu was reached on May 31st, where we
remained till Jime 10th. Fair accommodation was obtained at this
mountain village (alt. about 2500 feet), and daily excursions were
made from thence to the adjacent slopes, up to perhaps 4500 or 5000
feet. The projected visit to the summit of the main Gennargentu
range (alt. about 6000 feet, the highest portion of the island) had,
however, to be abandoned, on account of the refuge (where rough
sleeping-quarters were formerly obtainable) having fallen to pieces
during the previous winter. The mountain slopes immediately above
and below Aritzu are thickly clothed with small chestnuts and oaks,
followed higher up by a dense growth of heather, cistus, &c., this
again being succeeded by oak forest. My friends' chief quest was the
220 [September, 1911.
minute blind Coleoptera living beneath the immense boulders scattered
about this same oak-forest, for which purpose men had to be taken
from the village to assist in lifting the stones, carrying the sifted
earth, &c. As I had not prepared for serious vpork of this kind, more
time was available for general collecting, and I was therefore enabled
to secure specimens of many of the beetles of the district. Under the
large stones, in addition to the minute blind insects briefly alkided to
in a recent number of this Magazine {anteu, pp. 138, 139), a Percus
(sicuJus), closely related to the Corsican forms, was abimdant, and
with it occurred Calosoina sycojphanta, Carabus genei, Lcemosthenes
carinatus, Machmrites aymerichi, Medon apicalis and dilufus, &c.
The oak stumps and logs left by the charcoal burners harboured
amongst other species the following insects : Dorcus niusimon (the
sexes of which are so dissimilar as to appear specifically distinct),
Endophlieus sjjimdosus (in abundance), Colydium elongatum (in
jileuty), Teredtis nitidus, Brontes jdanatus, Silvanus bidentatus, Hy-
popMmus fasclatus, E later prseustus, Carpopliihis sexpustulatus,
Epurma obsoleta, Ij^s quadripustidatus, Platypus cylindrus, Xyleborus
saxeseni, Dryocwtes villosus, Sinoxylon sexdentatum, &c. On the
foliage of the oaks, &c., on the steep slopes, were found Helops genei,
Attelabtis carcuUonoides (varying to wholly black, var. ohsidiatms,
Costa), Phyllobius pilijies, Metallites parallehis, all in abundance ; the
remarkable Cryptorrhynchid, Camptorrhinus simplex, Brachyderes in-
canus, a Balanmus, Strophosomus coryli, Anthoiiomus spilotus, Caulostro-
phus delarouzeei, Ptinus atibei, Malthimis armipes, Sphimjinus apicalis,
Telephorus prxcox, Vibidia 12-gnttata, &c. In the small streams on these
slopes were found Ehnis damryi, and Hydraina evanescens, and subacii-
viinata. By sweeping the grass and low plants in the shady spots
beneath the chestnuts on the lower slopes were taken, amongst others,
the minute black Lycid, Thilnuinus obsmirus (peculiar to Sardinia
and Corsica), Homalisus nnicolor, Leistus sardous, and a Borboropora
( ? reitteri, Weise) ; in these places an Asida (not yet determined)
occui'red in plenty, crawling on moss on the ground ; and Hetaerius
ferrugineus, in an ants' nest, and Bevelieria genei, both beneath large
stones. On the Umbelliferse and other flowers hereabouts. Valgus
hemipterus, Anthaxia crcesns, Attagenus fallax, Hadrotomci vari egata
TricJwdes alvearius, various Danaaea and Haplocnemus, and Cardio-
phorus ulcerosus, were more or less common, but the Longicorues were
conspicuous by their absence ; and from the hedges about the culti-
vated ground were beaten Otiorrhynchus koziorowiczi, Reitt. (det.
Solari) and 0. rugosostriatus, various Acalles, Hypera philanthus.
NOTE.— Subscriptions for 1911 (6s. per annum, post free)
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CONTENTS. P^OB
Three weeks in the Sudan {concluded).— Q.B.Long stqf,M. A., 3I.D.,F.E.C.P. 197
Some interesting Britisli Insects (IV) (with coloured plate). — G. T. Porritt,
F.L.S., and E. R. Banhes, M.A., F.E.S 203
Notes on the early stages of Nonagria neurica, Hb., in Sussex (with plate). —
H. M. Edelsten, F.E.S 206
On a new species of Baris from the Sudan. — Gui/ A. K. Marshall, F.E.S 207
On Ceuthorrhynchus marginatus, Payk., and some allied species. — James
Fdwards,'F.E.S 208
Spanish and Moorish Micro-Lepidoptera {continued). — Rt. Hon. Lord Walsing-
ham, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., Sfc 212
Some Indian Gracilariads. — E. Meyrick, B.A., F.R.S 212
Caustic fluid of Carabus Tiolaceus. — Claude Morley, F.Z.S 213
Atheta picipennis, Mann., in the New Forest. — M. Cameron, M.B., R.N.,
F.E.S 214
Aleochara discipennis, Muls., in the New Forest. — Z>. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S — 214
Note on the food-plant of Nanophyes gracilis, Redt. — O. C. Champion, F.Z.S. 214
Criocephalus ferus, Muls., near Gruildford. — Id 214
The habitat of Eristalis seneus. Scop. — C. G.Lamb 215
A case of antennal teratology in the Diptera. — Id 216
Colias hyale in Oxfordshire. — James J. Walker, M. A., R.N. , F.L.S 217
Vanessa cardui in N. Mavine, Shetland. — James Watemton 217
Reviews. — A Monograph of the Anopheline Mosquitoes of India, by Drs.
James and Liston. Second Edition, re-written and enlarged 217
A Handbook of the Tsetse-Flies, by Ernest E. Austen 218
Society. — South London Entomological Society 218
A Trip to Sardinia in 1910.— ff. C. Champion, F.Z.S 219
IVIE. JENO M. A. KNtJDSEN, F.E.S. L., Vroending, Denmark,
intends to visit the North-Western Argentine this winter, and will be glad
to undertake the collection of insects for Collectors and Specialists. Payment
must be made in advance for 1 to 10 lots, and he will give extraordinary value.
T)ll. STAUDINGER & BANG-HAAS, BLASEWITZ- DRESDEN,
^~^ in their new Price List, No. LIV for 1911, ofifor more than 18,500 species
of well-named LEPIDOPTEKA, set or in papers, from all parts of the world,
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T. FuKAi, Entomologist, Konosu, Saitama, Japan.
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BRITISH FORFICULIDAE.
October, 1911.] 221
Xyloclepfes hispinns, &c. On the heath, Nanojihyes niger was to be
found, and on Cistus two species of Auletes — imhescens and 2>olihis.
The coprophagous beetles mostly in evidence were Scarahxus laticollis
and Sisyphus schsefferi, both common on the roads, where an occasional
Pimelia was sometimes seen.
Leaving Aritzu on June 10th we proceeded by train to Sorgono,
intending to make our way across country to the main line of
railway to the north of Oristano (the west coast near Oristano looking
deceptively near from the range of moiuitains above Aritzu) ; but this
we found on arrival involved a fatiguing journey on rough roads, so
there was no help for it but to return again to Cagliari before going
northward. From this place excursions were made on May 29th and
30th — one, by driving along the coast westward for about ten miles, to
Orra, crossing the extensive estuary to some wooded slopes running
down to the sea ; the other eastward to the saltings near San Barto-
lomeo, the great pyramidal mounds of salt (a Grovernment monopoly),
being everywhere very conspicuous in these places. In the last
mentioned locality Syrdenns filiformis (an insect related to Pogonns)
and one or two Cicindelas abounded on the mud, and with them
occurred two local Anthici — doderoi and revelierei ; Fseudophytobms
acalloides (a peculiar Curculionid with strong saltatorial powers) was
swept in some numbers from the long grass ; Nephodes metaUescens
(an active winged Helopid), Sphxricus gihbioides (a very minute
Ptinid), Cardiophorus eleonorie. and ^dcerosus, &c., were taken on the
Umbelliferae and other flowers ; two Pimelias and an Erodins, were
occasionally seen on the ground ; and Cehrio sardous was captured on
the wing towards dusk. At Orra, various NanopJiyes, Coniatus,
Berginiis tamarisci, Stylosomtis tamaricis, &c., abounded on the tama-
risks ; AgapantJiia irrorata was not rare on the stems of Ferula ;
Nephodes, &c., were again met with on the Umbellifers ; and Scymmis
hiesenwetteri, Troglops brevis, Dasytes coendescens, Piimis spitzyi, Ceu-
thorrhynchus molitor and assimilis v. sardeanensis, Paris opiparis and
cceridescens, Pachytychius squamosus, &c., taken by sweeping.
Leaving Cagliari on June 12th we took the train northward to
Grolfo Aranci, my friends having to return by the steamer that night
to Civita Vecchia. At Golfo Aranci I remained at the small railway
hotel till the 19th, a local native collector occasionally accompanying
me in my excursions. The country hereabouts is entirely uncultivated
and covered with bushes, amongst which many cattle are pastured ;
it proved to be so infested with ticks that after a time, to avoid their
222 [October,
attacks, my attentiou had to be restricted to the sandy beaches aud
adjacent fresli water marshes. In this place, and at Marinella,
Phaleria reyi, Scarites Isevigatus, Saprinus maritimus, and Trachy-
scelis aphodioides were more or less abundant ; the tamarisks produced
insects similar to those found at Cagliari ; on the mud, about the
fresh water marshes, two species of Cicindela (flexuosa and littoralis),
Bledius spectabilis and unicornis, various Dyschirii, and TacJiys scv-
tellaris were in greater or less numbers ; the small streams harboured
many Hydrobins convexns and Agahns hrunneus ; the small flowering
plants on the sand attracted C/yf k s rhamni emd Clytanthns 'massiliensis,
both in profusion, and the Umbelliferse on the slopes, Stenopterus ater,
Tillus transversalis, and Anthaxia croesus and incidta, amongst others.
On the bare ground, amongst the spiny bushes, a Pimelia occurred
abundantly, and in a small cave on the cliffs near the Capo de Figari,
I was introduced by my companion to the lilind Curculionid, Troglor-
rhynchvs doderoi; Colaspidea o&^o/^^frt, too, was found freely, by sweeping,
in marshy places, as well as Sitoiies kirsntus and verecundus, a Bagous,
Nanophyes nifidulns, Triodonta raymondi, Anthicns 4-decoratus, &c.
A long day's excursion to Terranova (about ten miles by train)
produced many species not seen elsewhere, the sandy bed and banks
of a partly dried up stream in that district harbouring a great variety
of insect life. The most noteworthy captures were as follows : —
Omopliron variegatvs, Lionychvs dnrmi, Bemhidlmn hiisteri and
laterale, Tachys qimdrisignatus, Philonthvs aJcyonens, Lathrohium
labile, Bledius verves, &c., in the sand ; and Bidessus bicarinatus,
Hydroporns flavipes and varius, Heviisphaira infima, Limnehins ob-
lorigns, Laccobius revelierei, Hydroscapha gyrinoides, &c., in the shallow
pools, mostly in abundance. Oherea ocidata was here beaten from
sallow ; a male of Pacliypns cs?siis, taken on the wing ; and a peculiar
little Hemipteron, Sigara leucocephala, captured in abundance in the
gravelly bed of a running stream (in which I happened to rest to
bathe), this insect, to my astonishment, jumping like a Halt lea.
The above list includes only such insects as have at present been
identified, but it will give a fair idea of the beetle faima of the island.
From wliat I saw while travelling up and down Sardinia, there seemed
to be vastly more cultivation than in Corsica, especially of cereals, and
in places vines. What forest there was seemed to be almost entirely oak,
and not much of this could be seen, except in the mountains, though
about Macomer a large tract of open oak wood on stony ground was
passed through along the main line of railway. Thei'e are no Conifers,
except where planted, and no forests of beech, such as are to be found
1911.] 223
in parts of Corsica ; the oaks, moreover, seemed to be in i-apid course
of destruction, to jud<i,-e from tlie continuous stream of bullock carts
met with at Aritzu bringing- down charcoal from the mountain slopes
to tlie nearest railway station. The mountains, too, are not so high
and rugged as in Corsica, and no scenery was seen comparable to that
to be found between Vizzavona and Corte in the last named island.
Grood accommodation is obtainable at the small hotels at the railway
stations of Macomer and Golfo Aranci, and rovigh quarters in the
villages. It was, I found, generally considered to be not altogether
safe to go about alone in the mountains, the " pastores " having a
somewhat doubtful reputation, but I suffered no molestation from
them while in such places. As regards Rlioi)alocera, I may perhaps
add that I saw none but the generally distributed species, and those
mostly hibernated, the best being an occasional Vanessa urticse, var.
ichnusa. The special butterfly of Sardinia, Epinejjhele mirag (the
specific name of which is derived from the ruined circular towers to be
seen scattered about the island), could not of course be expected to
appear so early in the season.
Horsell: August 11th, 1911.
ATHETA LILIPUTANA, Bris., IN BEITAIN.
BY MALCOLM CAMERON, M.B., E.N., F.E.S.
I captured five examples of this insect in small carcases near
Brockenhurst in May and June last. The following description is taken
from Granglbauer (Die Kafer von Mitteleuropa, Vol. II, p. 195).
Very similar to A amicula, from which it is distinguished by its smaller
size, more shining thorax and elytra, and mnch more scattered punctnration.
Black, rather shining, elytra brown, legs brownish-yellow. Head broad,
with moderately large prominent eyes, extremely finely punctui-ed. Antennee
rather short, finely ciliated, the first two joints stout, the third much shorter and
narrower than second, fourth to tenth transverse, gradually increasing in breadth,
the last joints nearly double as broad as long, the terminal one scarcely as long as
the two preceding togetlier, oval, pointed. Thorax narrower than elytra, almost
half as broad again as long, sides but slightly rounded, shining, very finely and
not thickly pixnctured, and very finely pubescent, with fine cUia at the sides.
Elytra about one-third longer than thorax, very finely and somewhat sparingly
punctiu'ed, finely pubescent. Abdomen shining, the first three visible segments
very finely and ratlier sparingly pixnctured, the others very sparsely or scarcely
punctured. Long, 1.3 mm.
Fauvel states that the (^ has the head and thorax channelled, and
T 8
224 [October,
this feature is present in some of my examples. The same author in
his note on A. puberula, Sharp (Fn. GI-allo-Ehenane, p. 704, ohs. 2),
states that this insect only differs from A. liliputana in havin» the
thorax smoother, the antennae black, the abdomen a little more distinctly
punctured, and in being twice the size. To the above I may add that
A. liliputana is a parallel- sided insect, in point of size intermediate
between A. inquinula and A. morti(nrnm, and although the punc-
turation is fine it is rather rough. From A. inquinula, its broader,
more robust build, broader and flatter head, and different puncturation
will distinguish it; whilst from J., mortuorum it may be separated by
its smaller size, much more shining head and thorax, and more finely
punctured abdomen.
It is, of coin-se, very difficult to draw up a table to distinguish
species whose characteristics are, in the main, comparative, but I en-
deavour to do so in the hope that it may be of some use in the elucidation
of the British members of the sub-genus Microdota, Rey.
Small or very small species (length 0.7 to 2 mm.), with trans-
verse thorax and parallel- sided abdomen.
A. Fourth joint of antennae strongly transverse.
1. Length not exceeding 1 mm.
(«) Puncturation of head and thorax fine but distinct,
length 0.7 mm. [inquinula
(h) Puncturation of head and thorax almost effaced, length 1 mm
[perexigua
2. Size larger.
(a) Species in great part testaceous palleola
{h) Species dark.
(1) Head, thorax, and elytra dull mortuorum, atricolor*
(2) Head, thorax, and elytra shining.
(ft) Legs dark or pitchy atomaria
(b) Legs testaceous amimda
B. Fourth joint of antennse quadrate or but slightly transverse.
1. Species in great part reddish-testaceous segra
2. Species dark.
(a) Legs dark ijidubia
(b) Legs testaceous, thighs sometimes sliglitly infuscate.
(1) Head and thorax very finely, sparingly, obsoletely punc-
tured puberula
(2) Head and thorax with distinct pimcturation.
(a) Size larger, more robust, less parallel ...subtilis,
[indiscreta*
{b) Size smallei", narrow, more parallel liliputana
H.M.S. "Attentive,"
Home Fleet :
Sept. 8th, 191 L
* 1 do not know these species, but they must be very similar to A. mortuorum and
A. subtilis respectively.
19^1-] 225
OUR BRITISH DERMAPTERA.
LiY MALCOLM BURR, D.Sc, M.A., F.E.S., F.L.S., &c.
(Plate IV).
We have but few Dermaptera in Britain, although individuals are
often numerous enough. These are generally of one species, for the
others are mostly rare and local. There is, moreover, little chance of
any additions being made to our list, with the exception of introduced
species, unless CJielidnreUa acantJiopygia, Grene, be discovered in this
country. It occurs in France, and is not rare in Belgium, so that we
may reasonably hope that it may yet be discovered. This insect has
been figured and discussed in the Entomologist, vol. xxxi, p. 125,
pi. ii, figs. 1 and 2 (1898).
In the accompanying Plate, every known truly British species of
earwig is figured, and also one or two foreign species which have
established themselves here.
Figs. 1, la. — Labid'iira rijjaria, Pallas, J"; fig. la, forceps of $ .
This well-known species is now absolutely cosmopolitan, and is
split into a number of subspecies, varieties or races ; its home is
probably the Palsearctic Region. It is undoubtedly indigenous in this
country, having been recorded from several localities on the south
coast, the best known of which is Boscombe, where it occurs on the
sandy cliffs by the shore.
Figs. 2, 2a. — Anisoldbis marithyia, Bon. ; fig. 2a, forceps of ? .
This is probably a Palsearctic species also ; it is cosmopolitan,
and has been taken in this country under artificial conditions in 1856.
Figs. 3, 3a. — Anisolahis anmdijjes, Lucas ; fig. 3a, forceps of ? .
Another cosmopolitan species, occurring in this country in several
localities, in bake-houses in Tavistock, under artificial conditions.
Figs. 4, 4a. — Labia minor, Linn. ; fig. 4a, forceps of $ .
This species is common enough in Britain, but generally escapes
notice ; it takes readily to flight, and is often captured on the wing.
Truly European, L. minor occurs also commonly throughout Africa to
as far south as Cape Town, and has been introduced in America. It
is apparently not uncommon in Canada and the United States, and
also in the Argentine Republic.
Figs 5, 5a. — Prolahia arachidis, Yersin ; fig. 5a, forceps of $ .
Another cosmopolitan species of doubtful origin, probably Oriental.
It occurs under artificial conditions at Queenborough, Kent.
226 [October,
Fig. 6. — Forficula anricularia, Liuu., (^ .
The common earwig is familiar to everybody. The figure shows
the form forcipata, Steph., which is commonest in mountain districts
and islands.
Fig. 7. — Forficida auricnlaria, Linn. ? ? .
This figure shows the normal forceps of the female, Imt the
specimen is abnormal in the absence of wings. It is one of two
examples taken by me at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight, and discussed
in the Ent. Mo. Mag. (2) xviii, p. 173 (1907). It should be noticed
that the elytra are somewhat shortened, and that the pronotum is a
little broader than in the ordinary male figured. This specimen is
practically indistinguishable from the female of F. deci2)iens, Gene, a
common South European insect, and from the female of F. silana,
Costa, a rare Italian species. I spent a long time hunting in vain for
the male, without which it is impossible to settle the question of its
identity. A new earwig is not often added to our list, so I hope that
all Coleopterists and Hemipterists will keep a good look-out for what
appears to be a common earwig with abbreviated wings, and when
they find one, send it to me, so that this interesting puzzle may be
cleared up.
Figs. 8, 8a. — Forficula lesnei, Finot, ^ ; fig. 8a, forceps of ? .
This earwig has been proved to be fairly common and widely
spread in the southern covmties, and is foimd as far north as Berk-
shire; it probably occurs also in Ireland. On the Continent, F. lesnei
inhabits north-western France and the north-western corner of Spain.
It may be taken, often in numbers, by sweeping beds of nettles
about dusk.
Figs. 9, 9a. — Apterygida alhipennis, Meg., (^ ; fig. 9a, forceps of $ .
This common Central European species is now known to be
numerous in certain localities in Kent ; it appears to prefer the
neighbourhood of hop-gardens. A. alhipennis is probably widely
spread, since it is recorded from Norfolk. The female is practically
indistinguishable from that of F. lesnei. It has the pronotum a trifle
broader and squarer than in F. lesnei, instead of being very gently
widened posteriorly, and somewhat rounded posteriorly, as in the last
named insect.
Dover: August, 1911.
1911. 1 227
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW STAPHYLINID BEETLE.
BY DAVID SHARP, M.A., F.E.S.
HoMALOTA (hydkosmecta) muiri, sp. n.
Depreasa, nigra, tihiis extrorsum tarsisque sordide testaceis, omnium
denslssima punctata, puhescentia densa cegre discernenda ; antennis gracilibus,
extrorsum-leviter crasxiorihiis ; capite suhquadrafo,prothorace Jiaud transversa,
posteriiis leniter angustato. Long. 2^ — 2-2" mm.
Tliis delicate little creature belongs to a division of Homalota
containing but few species, from all of which it may be separated by its
blacker coloiu' and the excessive minuteness of its dense pubescence.
Its place is next to longuJa, Heer. H. mairi is distinguished from that
species by the characters just mentioned, as well as by the fact that the
antennte certainly become slightly stouter at the extremity. The thorax
appears to be quite as long as broad, but measurement shows that the
width is slightly greater, in proportion of about 9 to 8. The external
differences of the sexes are very slight. The species was first captured
by my friend, Mr. F. Muir, a few days ago, in the shingle on the banks
of one of the small rivers here. A return to the spot I'esulted in a few
additional specimens. The insect, however, is a very difficult one to
secure. The shingle must be pushed into the water, and then the beetle
is immediately seen floating on the surface ; but so active is it, that it
takes flight almost as quickly as the eye can see it.
Brockenhurst :
September 2nd, 1911.
PERICLISTA PUBESCENS, Zadd., AN UNRECORDED BRITISH
SAW-FLY.
BY THE REV. F. D. MORICE, M.A.
{Pres. Ent. Soc. Lond.).
I am again, as last year (Ent. Mo. Mag., July, 1910), indebted
to my friend Mr. Horace Donisthorpe for the pleasm-e of making
an interesting addition to the List of British Tenthredinidse. On
April 28th last he swept or beat from oak leaves at Porlock (Somerset)
a V Periclista, evidently differing from anything previously known iu
this country, and agreeing completely with Zaddach's description of
his Selandria (sic) puhescens.
Before venturing, however, to record it under that name, I
228 [October,
thought it wise to submit it to Dr. Eusliii for determinatiou ; and
having now received it back from him as undoubtedly a ? of
P. pnbescens, I no longer hesitate to introduce it.
From our other Periclista spp. {nielanocephala, F., and lineolata,
KL, cf. Ent. Mo. Mag., June, 1907), puhescens $ , Zadd., may at once
be distinguished by the colour of the abdomen. This has its sides
only {i.e., so much of each dorsal plate as is bent round to overlap the
edges of the ventral surface) brightly testaceous, while, in strong
contrast to these reddish parts, the actual dorsum and the venter
itself are black, save that each segment has a well defined white apical
margin. In melanocephala the whole abdomen (above and below) is
testaceous. In lineolata that colour is absent altogether ; the abdo-
minal segments are black throughout, except at their whitish apices.
Other characters for distinguishing the insect are as follows : and
I may add that this specimen, which Mr. Donisthorpe has most kindly
presented to me, and which lies before me as I write, is considerably
larger than any which I possess of melanocephala or lineolata, its
length being very nearly 8 mm.
Head black, except the whitish labrmn. Tliorax black, with the corners of
the pronotiim (widely) and the tegvilse lacteons, the cenchri glassy-white.
Abdomen l)lack, but each segment above and beneath ring-ed with clear white
at the apex, and the sides of each dorsal-plate and all that part of it which
overlaps the venter, brightly i-iifo-testaceoiis.
Wings clear. The long and narrow stigma and the whole of the sub-costa
dark, as are the other nervvu-es, except at their bases which are lacteous like
the tegulffi, &c. (This is especially noticeable in the costa!) Humeral area in
hind wing appendiciilate.
Legs black at the base, but (n.b.) the femora above and below red, almost
from base to apex. The colour of the tibiae and tarsi is obsciu-ed in most lights
by the dense grey pubescence which clothes them. They are, however, dusky
behind, and pale, or almost white — more or less — in front.
The antennae look longer than in lineolata, but the proportions of the
several joints are very similar in both species. The clypeus is somewhat raised,
and its apex angularly excised. The vertical area is very timiid and well-
defined, bounded laterally by conspicuous f ovese, but the sculpture of the frons
is rather vague and shallow. The tempora behind the eyes are somewhat
sulcate, and sharply separated from the occiput, i.e., " margined."
The head and thorax are clothed like tlie legs with a grey pilosity. The
abdominal segments above are finely and closely striate (transversely), but at
the sides and beneath they appear rather to be rugosely punctured.
According to Zaddach, the ^ diifers from the $ in having no
red on the abdomen, and very little on the femora. But there seems
1911.] 229
to be reason to tliiiik that Zaddach's (^ was really oue of P. lineolata,
and that tlie true puhescens c? is an insect more resemblino- the ? ,
which was reared along with the latter by Giraud (Ann. Ent. Soc.
France, 1871), and which is stated {vide Andre " Species, &c.," Vol. i,
p. 304) to have the " first two " abdominal " segments bordered with
white or pale yellow, and all the rest tawny in the middle and whitish
on the sides."
P.puhescens does not seem to be a common species anywhere, unless
perhaps in some parts of G-ermany. Thomson describes nothing like
it in " Hymenoptera Scandinavise," nor is it mentioned by Costa
among the Italian species. The colouring of the ? is so distinctive
that it is luilikely to be mistaken for anything else. Now that it is
known to occur in this country, it may be hoped that other captures
will be made, and possibly such doubts as still remain asjto'the true ^
of the species be cleared vip.
Its larva is said to be very like that of lineolata (for a full
description of which vide Cameron Mon., Vol. i, p. 242), but without
the yellow dorsal line, and of a somewhat greater size (8 lines long
according to Zaddach) . It should be looked for in June, feeding on
oak-leaves, and the imagines should appear in April of the year
following.
Brunswick, Woking:
September, 1911.
ADDITIONS AND COERECTIONS TO THE BEITISH LIST OF
MUSCIBM ACALYPTRATM.
BY J. E. COLLIN, F.E.S.
(Continued from Vol. xlvii, page 187).
ASTIADJE.
Astia elegantula, Zett., was first recorded as occiu-ring in Britain by Mr. P.
Jenkinson, on page 4 of this Magazine for 1904. Dr. Wood has since taken it
in Herefordshire.
*Liomyza laevigata, Meig,, may be recognised by its black halteres with
yellow stems. I have taken it here at Newmarket and at Barton Mills (Suffolk),
also in Woodditton Wood (Cambs.) in May and August, while Col. Yerbury has
taken it at Tarrington (Hei'eford). The geniis Liomyza is now generally con-
sidered to be closely allied to Astia.
Liomyza scatophagina. Fin. — This is the L. fiavipes. Fin., of the " List,"
which Zetterstedt sank as a synonym of scatophagina. It may be readily dis-
tinguished by its pale halteres from Ixvigata, Meig.
230 [October,
Liomyza (jlabriculii, Meig. — I cannot recognise this as a distinct British
species, and suspect it to be only scatophagina. The name must remain in
italics in the " List " as reqviiring confirmation.
DROSOPHILIDJE.
Periscelis annidata, Fin., was first recorded as an addition to our fauna by
by Mr. C. G. Lamb in this Magazine for 1904, p. 277. I took a male at Boyton
(Suffolk) in June, 1910.
^Periscelis nigra, Zett. — This species was described by Zetterstedt as Asteia
nigra (and so appears in Kertesz's " Katalog"), because the cross-vein closing
the discal cell is absent, in whicli character it agrees with P. a^mulipes, Lw.,
differing however in having paler antennae, a silvery- white lower part to the
face, &c. Mr. C. G. Lamb found it at Nethy Bridge in June, 1905.
Acletoxenus formosus, Lw. — This is the A. syrphoides of the " List " {v. Ent.
Mo. Mag., 1902, p. 282). In Kertesz's "Katalog" it is placed under the genus
Gitona, and is called ornata, Meig., but it miist be generically distinct from
Gitona because of its flat face and the absence of ocellar bristles, while ornata,
Meig., was probably a triie Agromyza, for Meigen's description of the abdomen
in no way applies to forynosus, Lw.
Phortica variegata. Fin., was first recognised as occurring in Britain by
Dr. Sharp {v. this Magazine for 1903, p. 248). Col. Yerbury has since taken it
in some niunbers on a cossus-infested tree in the New Forest in company with
the next species.
*P'hortica alboguttata, Wahlbg., differs from variegata in being a shining
black species, with the front mouth-edge, the humeri, a spot under the wing,
and the club of the hal teres pure white. Col. Yerbury 's specimens were taken
in September, 1909, in the New Forest (Hants).
Stegana curvipennis. Fin. — I have not seen a British specimen of this
species, though it must occur in Britain. It remains in the " List " upon the
authority of Haliday (Walker's Ins. Brit. Dipt., iii, p. xiv).
Drosophila tristis, Fin. — I found a number of this species frequenting a
cossus-infested tree at Barton Mills (Suffolk) in May, 1909. Fallen's name has
been universally recognised as applying to a species of Drosophila, near ohscura ;
Zetterstedt, in describing the species, said, " Ipsissimum specimen quod descripsit
Fallen jam ante oculos haheo Sf illud cum nostris bene congruentihus comparavi,"
and though the specimen under the name tristis in Fallen's collection may noiv
be found to be an example of Diastata punctum, I consider that Zetterstedt's
interpretation of the species must be accepted, for there is no proof that the
specimen now in Fallen's collection is the original type seen by Zetterstedt,
which type may well have been misplaced or destroyed.
*Drosophila rufifrons, Lw.- — This belongs to the tristis group, and may be
known by its simple male front tarsi and the reddish tinge to the frontal stripe.
Mr. Verrall took it in some numbers at Lingfield (Surrey) on Jiily 30th, 1887,
and I have records of it from the New Forest (Hampshire).
*Chymomyzafuscimana,Zett. — Czerny founded this genus in 1903 (Zeitschr.
Hym. Dipt, iii, 199), its distinctive characters lying in the flat face with a
1911] 231
central keel, the presence of three pairs of strong orbital bristles, the front
pair pointing backwards, the very minute postvertical bristles, &c. C fusci-
mana has the frons and thorax yellowish, abdomen shining black, legs pale,
with the end of front femora and the front tibiiu and tarsi more or less darkened,
though often only indistinctly, the costal vein dark, and there is a distinct
cloud below the end of the radial vein, the actual tip of the wing being whitish.
Col. Yerbury took four males at Tarrington, Herefordshire, in July, 1902.
Drosophila distincta, Egger, miist be a synonym.
*Chymomyza costata, Zett. — This is a mtich darker insect than /uscxniajia,
the frons and thorax being greyish-black, the costa darkened, but the tip of
wing not whitish. Col. Yerbury foimd a male at Nairn in July, 1905 ; I took a
female at Chippenham (Cambs.) in September, 1908, and Mr. C. G. Lamb has
found it in the New Forest (Hants).
*Droso2)hila ingrata, Hal. — I have not been able to I'ecognise this species
described by Haliday as " distinguished from the last {tristis, Fin.) by the
" broad and short hind shanks and feet," and fvu-ther distingviished by Curtis
(Brit. Ent., 473) under the name nigrita, Hal., for I have very little dovibt that
these two names refer to the same insect.
Drosophila littoralis, Meig. — I know of no British species of Drosophila
answering to Meigen's description.
Scaptomyza flava. Fin. — Fallen's species is a true Drosophila, while the
species given by Curtis as British under this name was flavcola, Meig., =
apicalis. Hardy, ^ pallida, Zett. {v. Hal., in Walker's Ins. Brit. Dipt., iii,
p. xiv). Therefore, D. flava, Fin., remains unconfirmed as British.
Scaptomyza gracilis, Wlk. — Haliday pointed out in Walker's Ins. Brit.
Dipt., iii, p. xiv, that this species belongs to the genus " Opomyza, Mg., = Lep-
tomyza, Mcq., = Anthophilina, Zett.," by which he meant what we now call
Anthomyza, Fin., and as an Anthomyza gracilis already existed, whatever
Walker's species may be, his name cannot stand.
*Scaptomyza tetrasticha, Becker. — This species, distinguished from grami-
mum by the four rows of acrostichal bristles, is not iincommon in England.
*Camilla acutipennis, Lw. — I recognise this species in two specimens taken
at Orford (Suffolk) by myself in the middle of June, 1907, and one by Col.
Yerbury at Tarrington (Hereford) in August, 1902. The genus appears in the
" List " as Notcrophila, End., but there is no valid reason for supplanting
Haliday's name of Camilla.
GE0MYZID7E.
*Diastata vagans, Lw. — A female of this species was taken by Col, Yerbury
at Nairn (Scotland), on July 4th, 1904. It is very distinct in having the whole
length of the costa and the postical cross-vein infuscated.
Diastata fuscula. Fin. — I am convinced that this is the correct name for
fidvifrons, Hal., and inornata, Lw., though it appears in Kertesz's "Katalog"
imder costata, Mg. Fallen no doubt had both costata, Mg., and inornata, Lw.=
fidvifrons, Hal., under his fuscula, but his description does not apply so well to
costata. Haliday himself sank his fidvifrons as a synonym of fuscula, and
Haliday's species was certainly not costata, Mg.
232 [October,
*Geomyza frontalis, Flu. — In this species the wings are without markings,
and only the front legs more or less darkened (in the female, entirely black, ex-
cept coxae, trochanters, and extreme base of femora ; in the male, with only the
front femora darkened, or in a variety of that sex with also the front tibiae more
or less, and the basal joint of hind tarsi, darkened) . I take this species in the
garden at Newmarket (Siiffolk) in June and July, and Col. Yerbury has taken
a specimen at Ringwood (Hants). The variety has been found by Dr. Wood in
his garden at Tarrington (Hk^refordshire) in June.
*Opomyza lineatopunctata, v. Eoser. — In this species the darkening of the
wing at the junction with the costa of the radial, cubital, and discal veins, forms
one continviovis patch, both the cross veins and the whole of the postical vein
are broadly darkened, and there are several round, dark spots on the last portion
of the cubital vein, and one on the last portion of the discal vein. It was found
by Mr. F. Jenkinson at Crowboro' (Sussex) on July 27th, 1905, and the Kev. O.
Pickard-Cambridge has taken it near Bloxworth (Dorset).
Opomyza asteia, Hal. — I think this must be our Liomyza scatophagina, Fin.
Balioptera venusta, Meig. — I have not seen a British specimen of this species,
though I have no doubt it will be found.
Balioptera apicalis, Meig. — Two females were taken by Mr. Verrall at
Burnham (Essex) in Augitst, 1881. The very narrow wings, with a large apical
cloud and veiy narrow darkening to only the postical cross-vein, render the
identification of this species an easy matter.
Anthomyza sabulosa, Hal. — This is the Geomyza sabiilosa of the " List."
*Anthomyza pallida, Zett., may be known, as its name indicates, by its pale
coloiu'. I have taken it at Cliillesford (Suffolk), Snailwell (Cambs.), and near
Tarrington (Herefordshire).
* Anthomyza albimana, Meig. — This is a very distinct dark species with pale
legs, except for a ring at the end of the front femora, the front tibiae except at
the base, and the basal joint of the front tarsi. Col. Yerbuiy caught it at
Studland (Dorset) in August, 1909, and I took a female near Boyton (Sviffolk)
in August, 1907.
Anthomyza unguicella, Zett. — This was first recorded as occurring in Britain
by Mr. Mallock in this Magazine for 1908, p. 138.
Anthomyza cingulata, Hal. — This is the Geomyza cingulata of the " List."
* Anthomyza sordidella, Zett. — This is undoubtedly distinct from gracilis. Fin.
It is altogether darker, and there are differences in the male genitalia. I have
seen specimens from Tarrington (Herefordshire), Porthcawl (Glamorgan),
Worth (Dorset), and Nairn in Scotland, most of them taken by Col. Yerbury.
*Anagnota bicolor, Meig. — I have specimens from Walton-on-Naze (Essex),
Chillesford (Suffolk), Stiidland (Dorset), and Clifford's Castle (Herefordshire).
It comes near to Paranthomyza nitida, but the frons is dvdl black with silvery
orbits, and the arista long-haired.
Paranthomyza nitida, Meig. — This is the Anthomyza fiavipes, Zett,, of the
" List" for which Czerny has founded the genus Paranthomyza.
1911] 233
Chironujia oppidana, Scop. — Bezzi (1904) has come to the conclusion that
Desvoidy's name of Chiromyia must be used for the genus Pelethophila of the
" List/' and that lutea, Fin., must be known as oppidana, Scop.
*Chiromyia minima, Becker. — This was described by Becker in 1904 from
Livland. I found it at Butley (Suffolk) on August 29th, 1907, when I took
three specimens, while I had previously taken single specimens at Palling-on-
Sea (Norfolk) and Barton Mills (Suffolk) in August, 1906. It is quite distinct
from flava in the shape of the eyes, wliich areitransvei-sely oval, in having only
foiu- rows of acrostichal bristles, and by its bare disc to the scutellum.
Rhicnoessa, Lw., and Tethina, Hal. — For these genera, see under the
Milichidse.
OCHTHIPHILID.^.
*Ochthiphila fasciata, Lw. — Dr. Wood finds this species in Herefordshire
in July, and Dr. Sharp has taken it in the New Forest (Hants) in June. It is
very distinct with its yellow third antennal joint and palpi, and the interrupted
black fasciae on the abdomen.
*Parochthiphila coronata, Lw. — Czerny (1904) proposed this genus for those
species of Ochthiphila with the front orbital bristle at the middle of the frons,
four pairs dorso-central bristles, and mesopleurae bearing a bristle. 0. specta-
bilis, Lw., of the "List," belongs to this genus. P. coronata was found by Col.
Yerbury at Walton-on-Naze in July, 1909 ; it can be separated from P. spectahilis
by its black palpi and antennae.
*Leucopis argentata, Heeger. — This is a very silvery grey species with milk-
white wings, the thorax very faintly striped, the abdomen with only an indication
of a central stripe, and the frons entirely grey. I have taken it in Cambridge-
shire and Suffolk by sweeping reeds in marshy places.
MILWHID^.
Milichia ludens, Whlbg. — Mr. H. Donisthorpe has recorded the occiu-rence
of this species in England (Ent. Record, 1909, p. 289), it has some connection
with the ant Lasius fuliginosus.
Milichia ornata, Zett., of the " List," is now placed among the Agromyzidse
as Odinia maculata, Meig.
*P'hyllomyza flavitarsis, Meig.— This much resembles P. securicornis, but
may be known by its dark halteres and tibiae. Col. Yerbury has taken it at
Walton-on-Naze (Essex), in Jime, and Christchurch (Hants), in May. It is the
Agrom,yza flavitarsis of Meigen ; Opomyza flavitarsis, Meig., was acknowledged
by Meigen himself (Syst. Beschr. vi, 384) to be the same as P. sec^mcornis. Fin.
Desmometopa sordidum. Fin. — This is apparently the name xmder which
D. M-atrxim of the " List " must for the future be kno-svn.
Meoneura. This genus of Eondani's, fovmded for Agromyza olscurella,F\n.,
is now recognised as belonging to the Milichidse ; in addition to A. obscurella.
Fin., two more of the British species of Agromyza (vagans. Fin., and lactei-
pennis. Fin.), thus belong to this genus, while, according to the descriptions,
the European A. elongella, Zett., A. infuscata, Meig., A. minutissima, Zett., and
A. pectinata, Meig., should be placed here.
234 [October,
Madiza latipes, Meig. — The g'eniis Madiza is now placed in the Milic.hidse,
and I can confirm M. latipes as being British, for I have seen specimens in the
collections at Cambridge. I consider that the shape of the face and the long
pointed chitinous band down the middle of the frontal stripe, prove its correct
location in Madiza, instead of in Desniometopa, where it has been placed by
Becker.
Cacoxenus. — This genus is placed by Becker among the Agromyzidse, but it
cannot possibly belong to that family. It seems to resemble in many ways the
genera at the commencement of the Drosophilidas such as Acletoxenus, Leuco-
phenga, and Phorfica, and may ultimately have to be located there, but at
present I leave it in the Milichidse where it has been placed by Loew, Schiner,
and others.
*Rhicnoessa longirostris, Loew. — I am content with the identification of
this species as British, because my specimens agree with one iinder that name
in Kowarz's Collection, labelled " sec. typ. Loeivii." I have myself caught and
seen specimens from various sea-coast localities in Svxffolk, Essex, and
Dorsetshire.
Bhicnoessa grisea, Fin.— This is the Anthomyza grisea of the old "List,"
and is also a sea-coast insect.
Tethina illota, Hal. — This species has not been corx'ectly recognised by
Kuntze and Strobl, for their specimens must be Rhicnoessa cinerella, Hal., or a
very closely allied species, and Haliday's description of illota -. " Fades impressa,
" epistoniate pi-o^ninulo nxulo. Peristoma elongatum. Labium cylindricum higeni-
" culatum " could not apply to cinerella. I am not certain that my own identi-
fication is correct, but specimens taken at PorthcaAvl (Glamorgan), in June
and Jvily, 1906, by Col. Yerbxiry, which would answer to the descriptions of
Rhicnoessa griseola, v. der Wulp = alhosetulosa, Strobl, represent my idea of
Tethi7ia illota. I refrain from substituting the name Tethina for Rhicnoessa
until such time as I can prove the correctness of my views.
(To be co7icluded).
NOTES ON THE OCCUEUENCE OF XEN0P8YLLA SCOPULIFER,
EoTHS., IN GERMAN EAST AFRICA.
BY THE HON. N. CHARLES ROTHSCHILD, M.A., F.L.S.
Messrs. Scliuberg and Manteufel recoi'd this species from Grerman
East Africa as liaviug been taken from rats.' This record has been
quoted by Messrs. Chick and Martin^ in their recently pubhshed
valuable paper. Through the kindness of the Director of the Kaiser-
liche Gesundheitsamt in Berlin, we have been able to examine these
specimens, which are Xeaoj^sylhi hrasiliensis, Baker, and not Xenop-
19111
235
sylla scojmJifer, Rotliscliild. In our previous paper in Parasito-
logj,3 Xenopsylla brasiliensis, Baker, was treated as a synonym of
cheopis, Rothschild, but as we have already published,* after critically
examining Mr. Baker's types of this species, it is evident that it is a
distinct species, and the name must be retained for the species we
named X. vigettis.^
Arundel House,
Kensino^ton Palace Gardens :
Sept. 12th, 1911.
Bledius crassicoUis, Lac, at Wicken Fen. — As this species has only hitherto
been recorded from coast localities — Deal and Eye — it is perhaps worth re-
cording that in April, 1910, I took a specimen in sedge refuse at Wicken Fen ;
Mr. W. E. Sharp informs me that he has also taken the species this summer at
the same locality. On the Continent it is recorded from hilly and woody
localities, on the banks of streams and in marshes, so that it will probably
turn up in other localities in this country. — T. Hudson Beare, Edinburgh :
September, 1911.
Limenitis sihylla double-brooded. — To-day, while I was looking for lai"va3
among young aspens in a wood not far from here, I was much surprised at
seeing Limenitis sibylla settle on a bramble leaf close to me I watched it for
some moments while it gently raised and lowered its wings, and then it floated
away gracefviUy to another leaf. This, I thought, could hardly be a retarded
specimen, it was far too late for that ; it must be one of a second brood. I
went on, and, in the course of an hoiir, saw six or seven more, all quite fresh
and exceptionally fine. Of course, these were all individuals of a partial second
brood, the result of the abnormally hot dry summer ; and I believe it is an
unprecedented event, for I cannot find any records of a second brood in any of
my Entomological books, though I have not been tlirough all the back volumes
of the Magazines. I should like to know if any one else has ever met with, or
heard of, a second brood. It does not appear to be double-brooded on the
Continent, though its near ally, Camilla, is itndoubtedly so in the South. I
was in the wood on several occasions during August and the beginning of this
month, but there were none about then, so those I saw to-day can have only
recently emerged. The fii-st specimen this year was seen on June lltli. —
Gbrvase F. Mathew, Dovercourt, Essex : September 19th, 1911.
1 Ai-b. u. d. Kais. Gesundheitsamte, Vol. xxxiii, p. !jf>9. (1910).
- Joiiriiiilof Hygiene, Vol. xi, No. 1, p. 129. (1911).
s Parasitology, Vol. 1, p. 42. (19U8).
* Novit. /oolog, Vol. xvi, p. 332. (1909).
5 Novit. Zoolog. Vol. xvi, p. .53 (PI. viii, Figs, 3 and 4). (1909).
236 [October,
Vanessa antiopa in Kent. — It may interest you to know that my nephew,
aged 6, caught a " Camberwell Beauty " in my garden last Sixnday, August 20th,
the first time he had used a net. Covxld any of the readers of your Magazine
tell me whether this rare butterfly is British bred, or if it has been blown across
the Channel ? In this week's " Spectator " there is an account of one having
been seen at Sheringham. — George A. Asprey, The Court Lodge, Chelsfield,
Kent : August 26th, 1911.
Note on Argyresthia decimella, Stainton. — I have never seen the unique
example of this species, but from the figure published in the September number
of this Magazine, I should have little hesitation, ixnder the circumstances, in
regarding it as an aberration of the well-known Lithocolletis rohoris, Z. The
palpus figui-ed is characteristic of Lithocolletis. — E. Metrick, Thornhanger,
Marlborough: September 1st, 1911.
Ceropales variegatus, Fab., in the Neiv Forest. — As captures of the S of this
rare species have only been recorded by Smith (18-45), Mortimer (1896), and
Hamm (1908), it may be of interest to record the capture of six S S's and one
$ on the 4th and 8th of August last in the New Forest. The heat of the sun
on those days was almost unbearable, and one was driven to shelter under some
of the young fir trees between twelve and one o'clock. When doing so I was
surprised to see Cerceris, Halictus, Andrena <J ^ , Nomada, etc., creeping in
evidently for the same purpose, as they rested in the shade for long intervals
before again taking flight. — E. B. Nevinson, Morland, Cobham, Surrey:
September 7th, 1911.
Capture of Ctenophora flaveolata, F. — I have pleasiu-e in recording the
captiire of a specimen of this rare Dipteron, which my little boy found in the
New Forest a few days ago. I recorded two specimens in 1902 (Ent. Mo. Mag.
vol. xxxviii, p. 270) which are now in the British Museum Collection, and in
1903 I took another example. — Herbert Ashby, Oakwood Lodge, Chandler's
Ford, near Southampton : July 6th, 1911.
Nirmus uncinosus, N., in Shetland. — Several examples of this beautifully
marked parasite occurred on a specimen of Corvus comix shot on Gluss Isle, N.
Mavine, on 28th July. During the past eighteen months a large number of
hooded crows had been fruitlessly examined, and it is, perhaps, worth noting
that the present host was a young bird of the year. Tliere is very distinct
sexual dimorphism in this Nirmus. Indeed, as Denny long ago remai'ked, the
general facies of the male is Docophoroid rather than Nirmoid. — James Water-
STON, The Manse, Ollaberry, Shetland : August, 1911.
[The genus Mr«tMS belongs to the " Mallophaga or "Bird-Lice," cf. Sharp,
Cambridge Natural History, Insects, I, p. 346. — Eds.]
1911] 237
George Henry Verrall. — It is with sincero regret that we announce the
death, on September 16th, in his sixty-fourth year, of Mr. G. H. Verrall, the
eminent Dipterist, and a former President of the Entomological Society of
London. A full account of liis life and Entomological work will be given in
oiu" November number.
Societies.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, July 2~th, 1911.— Mr. E. Adkin, F.E.S., in the Chair.
Mr. Kenneth J. Blair, of Highgate, N., was elected a Member.
Mr. West exhibited numerovis interesting captures in the New Forest,
including ^geria spheciformis, a suffused specimen of Anthrocera trifolii, a short
series of Cicadetta montana, including the rarely met with ?, and the local
Heteropteron, Eysarcoris seneus. Mr. Stanley Edwards, the very handsome
Lycsenid, Stalachtis evelina, and several beautiful species of the genus Meso-
semia (Lemonimse). Mr. E. Adkin, a pair of Endromis versicolor, reared this
year from ova deposited in 1908, thus three years in pupa. Mr. Blenkarn, a
teratological example of Carabus nemoralis, in which the tibia of the right fore-
leg was divided into three, each terminating in perfect tarsi and claws ; two
specimens of the rare Helophorus tuberculatus and Galerucella fergussoni, from
Lanarkshire ; and the curious Hemipteron, Ledra aurita, from West Wickham,
on oak. Mr. Jager, a Nematoid worm, which had emerged from the larva of a
Cucullia. Mr. Sperring, a nvunber of aberrations of Lepidoptera, including a
smoky suffused specimen of Cosniotriche potatoria, from Benfleet, a seven
spotted Anthrocera filipendulse, a Callimorpha dominula with very dark hind-
wings and ill-developed scaling, two specimens of Arctia caja, one having
asymmetrical markings and the other with yellow hind-wings, and a nrunber of
Abraxas grossulariata considerably darker than normal specimens, many having
the black massed mainly towards the outer margin. He called attention to the
fact that most of tlie bred al^crrations were either early or late emergences of
the brood.
Thursday, August 10th, 1911.— Mr. W. J. Kaye, President, in the Chair.
Mr. Jager exhibited a specimen of the large spider, Mygale avicularia, sent
to him from India, and communicated notes on its habits. He also showed a
specimen of a scorpion from the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus, and described
its habits. Mr. West (Greenwich), a series of Asenium striatum and var. agreste
from the New Forest ; a ^ and 2 ? s of the introdviced Monohammus sartor, fx'om
Deptford; Acocephalus tricinctus, a recent addition to the British List, from
Great Yarmouth, with Plagiognathus alhipennis, obtained from Artemisia mari-
tima, and Arxopus pulchellus and Chlorina glaucescens, all from the same place.
Mr. Carr, the two grasshoppers, Stenohothrus bicolor and Platycleis brachyptera,
from Oxshott. Mr. Blenkarn, Quedius talparum (vexans), from moles' nests in
the Isle of Wight, and a dovible banded form of Noctua rubi from Beckenham.
U
238 [October,
Mr. Dods, living larvce of Saniia cecropia, a large American silk-prodiicing
Satvirniid. Mr. Carr, the local beetle, Cicindela sylvatica, from Oxshott. Mr.
Edwards, a box containing several species of the genvis Libythea, and con-
tributd notes on the singular distribution of the few known species.
Thursday, August 24f7i. — The President in the Chair.
Mr. Jiiger exhibited the following forms and aberrations of British Lepi-
doptera : very dark Argynnis aglaia, Pieris napi, and Vemisia caynbrica, Rumicia
pMppas, with wedge-shaped spots replacing the band ; a very silvery :? of Celas-
trina argiolus ; two very curious dark forms of Acidalia marginepundata, and a
very aberrantly marked form of Hydriomena niherata. Mr. S. E. Ashby, series
of Balaninus nucu^n and Phytodecta pallida, taken during the Field Meeting at
Clandon, Jvily loth. Mr. Turner, forms of Papilio podalirius, including var.
/eisthamelii, ab. ornata, and two examples partaking of the ab. undecemlineatus
and ab. nig^-esce^is forms. Mr Tiirner contributed a note on the habits of the
thread worm, one of which liad been recently exhibited, found in the larva of
a Cucullia. Mr. K. Adkin, forms of Hesperia nialvx closely approaching v. taras,
from Sussex, and an intermediate example of Aplecta occulta, from Rannoch,
where the species is usually very dark. Mr. Morford, Colias hyale, and a
second brood specimen of Nisoniades tages, from Mickleham, August 20th.
Mr. "West (Greenwich), two local Diptera, Ceroxys pictus and C. omissus, from
Great Yarmouth salt-marshes. Mr. West (Ashstead), the rare burying beetle,
Necrophorus interruptus. Mr. Main, a portion of wasp comb, and described the
feeding of the larva. Mr. Edwards, Papilio codrus, and allied species. Mr.
Blenkarn, several living stick-insects, Dixippus morosus, from India. Mr. Kaye,
a specimen of the extremely rare Sphingid, Pholus typhon, from Mexico. Dr.
Chapman, living larva^ of the high-level Lycsenids, Latiorina orbitulus, Vacci-
niana optilete, and Albula pheretes, from the Alps. — Ht. J. Turner, Hon.
Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, June 1th, 1911. — The
Rev. F. D. MoRiCE, M.A., President, in the Chaii-.
The Secretary observed that he had exceeded his instructions with regard
to the Memorial passed at the last meeting on the South Kensington site, and
had sent it to the Times, where it liad appeared, and to the principal Press
Associations, as well as (at the request of Mr. Waterhouse) to the Director of
the Natural History Museiun.
Commander J.J. Walker exhibited specimens of Barypithes pellucidus. Boh.,
from Oxford, Enfield, and Tavistock respectively, and for comparison, B. dupli-
catus. Keys, from the Blean Woods and Birchington, Kent. Also a series of
specimens illustrating the life-history of Cyclotorna, Meyrick, a genus of
Myrmecophilovis Lepidoptera, from Queensland, sent by Mr. F. P. Dodd with
his paper on the insects subsequently read. Mr. Donisthorpe exhibited live
specimens of Antennophorus uhlmanni, Haller, on the ^ $ from a nest of Lasius
umbratus at Woking. Only two specimens have been taken before in Britain,
by Michael, in an ants' nest at the Land's End. Also Uropoda philoctena fastened
1911.1 239
on the strigil of a § of the same ant from the same locality. This species is
new to Britain. Mr. C. O. Waterhouse exhilnted larvae of a species of Hypo-
derma received from India from Mr. J. E. Middleton, with a note that they had
been taken from a gazelle and were probably an undescribed species. Mr.
Waterhouse expressed the strongest doubts as to the possibility of determining
a species of Hypoderma from the larvae. There is, however, no Indian Hypoderma
described hitherto. Mr. F. Enock exhibited a photomicrograph of a new species
of Mymar, which he has named Mymar regalis, accompanied by one of M. pul-
chellus for compai-ison, captured June 3rd, 1911, at Burnham Beeches. The
posterior wings are greatly elongated into a very narrow battledore with six
long hairs on the lower margin, and the anterior wings are stu-rounded with
sixty long hairs — instead of the thirty-five of Mymar pulchellus. Mr. H. Row-
land-Brown exhibited some drawers of Miss Fountaine's bred series of African
Charaxes. Dr. Chapman exhibited a box of insects to illustrate a case of
mimicry, remarking that in March and April, both at Hyeres and at
Amelie - les - Bains, his attention was attracted to a Reduviid bug, Pirates
hybridus. Scop. He followed up one or two on the wing, taking them
for Pompilid Hymenoptera, and when they settled on the ground their
movements were precisely those of Pompilus when hunting on the ground —
sharp, active, jerky, and taking wing at once if alarmed. Tlie red colouring on
the elytra was, when running, much like the red of a Pompilid body between or
under the wings. On picking up the bug, it often occurs that one is stung,
about as sharply as many Pompilids do, and some are fairly proficient therein.
The sting is of course the thrust of the beak or proboscis, of which not a few
Reduviid bugs can make effective weapons of defence. The sting enhances the
resemblance to an Aciileate. Dr. Chapman also read the following note on a
nest of Polistes gallica : "At Hyeres. on March 29th, 1911, at 10.30 a.m., with a
gale from the east (Sirocco), sky overcast and a few drops of rain, I found, on
turning over a stone, under its edge, a small nest of Polistes gallica. The nest
consisted of eight small cells, in each of five of which was one egg. It could not
have been fovmded very long. Under it (above it before the stone was turned
over) there rested not one ? hvd two 9 ? side by side. The advancement of
the nest showed that it was impossible for one of these to be a worker reared in
the nest. Were they working together, or was one only a casual visitor, taking
shelter during the inclement weather ? In the latter case would it not have
been regarded and treated as an enemy, instead of both resting together in a
thoroughly friendly way ? " Dr. Chapman also exhibited some well-grown larvae
of Callophrys avis from the Riviera. Prof. Poulton exhibited on behalf of Mr.
A. H. Hamm, assistant in the Hope Dept. of the Oxford University Museum, a
case of insects illustrative of certain associations of mimetic British Hemiptera-
Heteroptera, with their Hymenopterous models, and communicated a paper from
him. His chief object is to record the fact that the Hemiptera are to be found
in the localities frequented by their models, and often in their company. Field
observations are especially important in the mimics of insects, such as the
Hymenoptera Aculeata, with extremely characteristic habits and movements.
Prof. Poulton exhibited a family of Papilio dardanns, consisting of the trophonius
parent and the fifty-five offspring reared from her eggs by Mr. G. P. Leigh,
U 2
240 [October,
F.E.S. of Durban, and containing a new $ form leighi. The female parent was
captured by Mr. Leigli on June 26th, 1910, at Pinetown, Natal (aboiit 1000 ft.).
She laid sixty-two eggs on June 27th-28th, the offspring consisting of 25 males,
22 ce7iea females, 4 trophonius females, 2 Mppocoon females, and 2 leighi females.
There can be no doubt that this variety, bi-ed in Natal by Mr. Leigh six times in
1910, and also captured twice in Natal, possesses sufficient stability to i-ank as
one of the female forms of dardanus. Further convincing evidence of its stability
as a form is seen in the fact that it also occurs almost unchanged so far away
from Natal as the N.E. corner of the Victoria Nyanza. A specimen was collected
by Mr. A. H. Harrison about 1903 at " Nyangori," a forested locality at a height
of about .5000 feet to the N.E. of the great lake. Mr. Harrison's specimen was
figm-ed I of the natural size in Trans. Ent. Soc, 1906, Plate XX, fig. 1. It is
there spoken of as " intermediate between planemoides and cenea." The plane-
moides form is entirely unknown in Natal, and indeed in areas far to the north
of it, and hence it is impossible to adopt the plausible interpretation of leighi as
a hybrid between cenea and a male bearing the planemoides tendency, or vice
versa. We are therefore driven to the hypothesis that the leighi form is a per-
sistent definite stage in the evolution of planemoides. Prof. Poulton also
exhibited an example of the planemoides female captured in August, 1910, in
forest country (less, and probably much less, than 100 ft. elevation), between
Jilore and Malindi. Jilore is about 70 miles N. of Eabai and 19 W. of Malindi.
The occiu-rence of planemoides on the E. coast, so far from its Planema models,
is of higli interest. Prof. Poulton also exhibited a female parent of the dubia
form captured on March 19, 1911, at Oni, 70 miles E of Lagos, by Mr. W. A.
Lamborn, together with a selection from the offspring reared from its ova. The
offspring inchided both duhia and anthedon. Thus Mr. Lamborn had been able
to verify the siiggestion that the forms Euralia anthedon and E. dubia are the
dimorphic forms of a single species. It may be added that Mr. Lamborn has
now bred families from three dubia parents of various forms, and one from an
anthedon parent, all captured at Oni in March of the present year. Both
anthedon and dubia appeared in all the families. Mr. W. A. Lamborn had in-
tended to show at this meeting the cases which he had exhibited at the Conver-
sazione, but, owing to a misunderstanding, they had not arrived. He remarked,
however, that Prof. Poulton's account of the mimicry of certain Danaine bvitter-
flies by Evu-alias induced him to mention that he recently took, at one sweep of
the net, two butterflies, an Amauris psyttalea, Plotz, and a Euralia dubia, which
were flying round and round each other in a manner suggestive of courtship.
Their movements on the wing were so active that he was imable to recognise them
before capture, and it seemed evident that the one must have been deceived by
the mimetic resemblance to its own species exhibited by the other. In the ex-
hibit which he had hoped to bring was a West African Hypsid moth determined
by Prof. Poulton as Deilemera, probably antinori, Oberth., with the cocoon from
which it emerged, which bears a large nvimber of creamy white semi-transparent
frothy spheres, which bear a very strong resemblance to the cocoons of Braconid
parasites, and dovibtless liave a protective function. He added that he had
obtained some light on the relationsliip between the ' brands ' or patches of
peculiar scales on the wings of male Danalnae, and the dovible tuft of liairs which
Iflll.]
241
can be protruded from the posterior extremity of the body. In Janiiary of this
year he observed a male Ammiris niavius, L., settle on the upper surface of a
leaf with its wings expanded. The insect flexed its abdomen, making the dorsal
surface convex, so that the extremity of the body was brought level with the
brands, and the tufts were then thrust out. By alternately flexing and
straightening out the abdomen, the tufts were passed to and fro over the surface
of the brands as though some secretion was being conveyed from the one to the
other. Prof. Poulton has suggested that the greasy appearance of the brands
may be probably interpreted on the hypothesis that they serve to retain and
distribute a scent employed in courtship brought to them by the tufts.
Dr. Longstaff said that he was satisfied that in Euplcea and Limnas chrysippus
the characteristic scent was not caused by tlie tufts and brands, though these
were very likely the cause of another volatile scent which certainly existed in
these cases. Female Danaids have a scent as well as males ; the scent common
to both being nauseous, while that peculiar to the male is probably a help in
coiirtship. Comm. J. J. Walker read the following paper — " Some remarkable
ant-friend Lepidoptera of Queensland," by F. P. Dodd, F.E.S., with Supplement
by E. Meyrick, B.A., F.R.S.
NOTES ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF LONGITARSUS, Latr.
(A GENUS OP COLEOPTERA).
BY J. R. LE B. TOMLIN, M.A., F.E.S., AND W. E. SHARP, F.E.S.
In the year 1829 the Abbe Pierre Andre Latreille estabhshed the
genus Longitarsus, and to-day that genus remains to Coleopterists
perhaps the most confused in synonymy and bewildering in
specific differentiation of all the genera of the Coleoptera. That a
group, of which the species are so widely distributed and, in most cases,
so abundant and so easy of examination, should thus have become little
better than a stone of stumbling to the majority of students, may be
easily explained by the extraordinary instability of specific form which
so many of its members exhibit. In size, in shape, in colour, and to
some extent in punctuation, especially of the thorax, in fact, in most of
those morphological characters on which systematists are accustomed
to base their conception of specific unity, many of these insects vary to
an extent quite unrivalled by any other genus of the British Halticidse.
Why, in this particular gi'oup, the bonds of specific stability should
seem so relaxed, appears a question beyond our present knowledge.
We should recjuire to understand far more intimately than we now do
the economy of these insects, their relations with their environment, in
a word, those factors which I'egiilate and maintain adherence to specific
form among the phytophagovis Colfoptera, before we coxdd hazard even
242 [October,
the vaguest hypothesis as to why the inemliers, say of the g'enus
Pfii/lliodes, should he monotonously uniform, and those of Lomjttarsus
so wildly irregular.
It will be plain then that, since our knowledge of the members of
this group is virtually confined to their imaginal form, and that only in
a morphological sense, discrimination of species becomes somewhat
empirical, or even to a large extent provisional.
In the notes, therefore, which follow, it is hoped that this con-
sideration will be understood as implicit. Throughout them an attitude
possibly more synthetical than that of some recent Continental students
of the genus has been adopted, it Ijeing the belief of the authors that
errors of defect invariably more easily admit of rectification than do
those of excess, and that nothing is more easy or more futile than to
apply a fallacious analytical method to such a group as this.
We have devoted considerable time to a study of the genus, and
our investigations have been much facilitated by the very kind assist-
ance of friends and fellow workers (to be mentioned more particularly
later on) , who have placed their observations at our disposal, communi-
cated specimens, and allowed the examination of collections. We may
here, perhaps, specially allude to a box containing exponents of the
genus, kindly communicated to us by Mr. P. de la Garde, discovered by
him among duplicate boxes left by the late Mr. T. V. WoUaston, which
internal evidence clearly shows to have been sent to that gentleman by
M. Allard in 1861. As the original list of names of the contents was
found with, and accompanied the box, we were enabled to verify and
compare with others what are practically Allardian co-types of the
genus, and this we need hardly say we have found of invaluable assist-
ance in our investigations.
The problem of food plants, a knowledge of which would
seem to be of the utmost value as providing physiological data in the
appreciation of species, has not been overlooked. The difficulty, how-
ever, in associating, without the possibility of error, forms so agile and
elusive with any special plant is formidable and exacting. We have,
however, obtained some little fairly assured knowledge on this subject,
and its patent incompleteness will, we hope, stimulate other students
of the group to attempt the solution of the problems which still remain.
Before proceeding further it may not be out of place to say a word
about the characters which have been generally used in this genus for
the differentiation of its species.
Colour. — Within rather wide limits the Longitarsi are fairly con-
1911-5 243
staut ill coloi-iitioii, and can be conveniently gTOuped in a hroad way by
tills character, altlioiigli there is the notable exception of L. Jurichis^
Scop. One may also cite the iininaculate form of L. qttadrujnttatns,
Pont., as a colour variation, the extensive colour range in the thorax
of L. sutiirellus, Duft., and of L. jyusilhis, Gyll., and the red form (v.
rufescens, Fowler), of L. jacobssai, Wat.
Goloiir of suture. — A useful character in conjunction with others,
but not necessarily of specific value — cf. the var. thajjsl, Marsh., of L.
tabidus, F., the var. poweri, All. of L. gracilis, Kuts., and the various
forms of Zi. melanocephalus, de Gr.
Punctuation. — This character, iisually so valuable in the Coleoptera,
admits of extensive but carefully gaiarded use in this genus, at any
rate as applicable to the elytra. It may be relied on broadly for group-
ing, and more exactly for specific discrimination, and the striate or
confused arrangement of the punctuation seems specifically much more
constant than its strength, but that this character cannot be universally
applied is demonstrated by such species as L. luridus, Scop., L. pusillus,
G-yll., and L. membranaceus, Foudr. It is certain, however, that the
character, strength, and disposition of the fJwracic punctuation varies
so widely within the limits of species as to be — with very few exceptions
(e.g., L. sutureUns, Duft.) — of hardly any assistance as a specific
criterion.
Antennse. — The structure of the antennae is probably as constant
a morphological feature as any in this group. The relative length, and
to a lesser degree the colour is of considerable assistance, but from
the comparative length of the separate joints of the antennae we have
been able to deduce nothing specifically.
Humeral a7igles of elytra. — By several authors much stress has
been laid on the shape, slope, or angle of the elytral shoulders as diag-
nostic of species. It appears to us, however, that these differences are
difiicult to appreciate and misleading in application, as the contour of
the humeral angles depends very much on the development of the wing
muscles, which of course vary as the insect is winged or apterous.
Many species, however, are known under liotli forms. The shape of
the elytra as a whole, whether oval or oblong in outline, whether fiat
or convex in contour, or how far intermediate between these extremes
is a character of considerably more importance, and indeed of the
greatest assistance in the appreciation of the "habitus" of many of the
species.
An increasing use has recently been made of the shape and
244 [October, 1911.
structure of the geiiitalia of the intiles as a diagnostic character in
Coleoptera, nor has this point been neglected by the older authors in
the case of Lonyitarsus. In Foudras' monograph descriptions of these
organs are given for most of his sjiecies. Their value, however, as
specific criteria does not appear very great or very conclusive, and
having examined the sedeagi in several closely allied forms, we should
not be prepared at present to place entire reliance on this character as
a factor in specific determination.
The sexes in Longitarsus are not always easy of separation by
secondary characters, but as a rule the males may be known by their
longer antennae and narrower shape. In many species also the apices
of the posterior tibise of that sex are somewhat angularly dilated. The
difference in the size, and particularly the breadth of the anterior
tarsal joints, usually so distinct in many of the Coleoptera, varies
specifically in this group, and is often very slight and difficult of
appreciation, although it undoubtedly exists, and is in some species,
e.g., L. hiridus and L. suturellus, quite obvious. The presence or
absence of effective wings may be a sexual character,* but in the
present state of our knowledge we feel it to be quite unsafe to lay
down any rule on the subject either generally or as affecting any
particular species.
To assist in the discrimination of the species of Longitarsus we
have thought it desirable to divide the genus into six sections, f oimded
on such salient and superficial characteristics as may be most readily
appreciated, but it is almost superfluous to add that such divisions
may be quite empirical, and need not necessarily imply any genetic
affinities, while owing to the inconstancy of those obvious features on
which any dichotomic table must be based, it is practically iinj)Ossible
to construct one which will cover all the extreme variation within the
species, comparative certainty in determination being only attainable
by experience of the group, and a large amount of material for
reference.
These sections are as follows : —
I. Species uiiicolorous, black, or nearly black; punctuation distinct, variable
in strength.
II. Species black, with distinct testaceous or reddish markings.
III. Species unicolorous, testaceous, brown, or pitchy to black (extreme form
of L. luridus), with coarse confused punctuation.
IV. Species testaceoiis, with sutural line black, broad and distinct, and elytral
pvmctuation distinct, but not coarse, more or less dense and confused.
* See note on L. agilis in this connection by G. C. Champion, Ent. Mo, Mag. xlvi, 261 (1910).
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CONTENTS. PAGE
A Trip to Sardinia in 1910 [concluded).— G. C. Champion, F.Z.S 221
Atheta liliputana, Bris., in Britain.— M. Cameron, M.B., R.N., F.E.S 223
Our British Dermaptera (with coloured plate). — Malcolm Burr, D.Sc, M.A.,
F.L.S 225
Description of a new Staphylinid beetle.— D. Sharp, M.A., F.E.S 227
Periclista pubescens, Zadd., an unrecorded British Saw-fly.... iZcp. F. D. Morice,
M.A., Pres. Ent. Soc. Lond 227
Additions and Corrections to the British List of Muscidse Acalyptratse
{continued). — James E. Collin, F.E.S 22&
Notes on the occurrence of Xenopsylla scopulifer, Roths., in Grerman East
Africa.- Bo«. N. Charles Rothschild, M.A., F.L.S 234
Bledius crassicoUis, Lac, at Wicken Fen. — Prof. T. Hudson Beare, B.Sc,
F.R.S.K 235
Limenitis sibylla double-brooded. — G. F. Mathew, R.N., F.L.S 235
Yanessa antiopa in Kent. — Geo. A. Asprey 236
Note on Argyresthia decimella, Stainton. — E. Meyrick, B.A., F.E.S 236
Ceropales variegatus, Fab., in the New Forest. — E. B. Nevinson, F.E.S 236
Capture of Ctenophora flaveolata, F. — Herbert Ashby 236
Nirmus uncinosus, N., in Shetland. — Eev. James Waterxton 236
Obittiakt.— George Henry Verrall, F.E.S 237
Societies. — South London Entomological Society 237
Entomological Society of London 238
Notes on the British species of Longitarsus, Latr. (a genus of Coleoptera). —
J. R. le B. Tomlin, M.A., F.E.S., and W. E. Sharp, F.E.S 241
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Ofiice: St. Martin's Street, L>ondon, W.C
November, 1911]. 245
V. Specios lar^o (exceeding 2 mm. in length), very convex, imicolorons
(except in var. thapsi of L. tabidus), testaceoiis or brown, or with
sutural line faintly rufescent ; piinctnation fine.
VIa. Species small (under 2 mm. in length) , testaceous with sntnral line rufes-
cent, narrow, sometimes almost obsolete ; punctuation strong and
somewhat seriate.
B. As in A, biit with punctuation fine or very fine.
Sect. I. — Species unicolorous, black, or nearly black ; punctuation distinct,
variable in strength.
I. Antennoe and legs more or less testaceous.
1. Head, thorax, and elytra entirely black.
A. — Elytra coarsely punctured.
a. Size as a rule smaller ; antennae shorter and more
slender L. obliteratus, Rosenh.
h. Size larger ; antenna) longer and stouter...
L. anchusas, Payk.
B. — Elyti'a finely piuictured L. parvulus, Payk.
2. Thorax usually, and elytra occasionally, reddish, or with obscure
indications of reddish markings L. absinthii, Kuts.
II. Antennae and legs unicolorous black L. nigerrimus, Gyll.
L. OBLITERATUS, Eosenli. [Beitrage zur Ins. Ftuiu. Europse, p. 61
(1847)].
Schrank's name " pidex " has been applied to this species by Foudras,
Eossi, Marsham, Stephens, and Fowler, but Schrank's description,* in the
absence of his type, seems insufficient to justify its retention, and we think it
better to conform to general European usage by distinguishing the species as
L. obliteratus.
Syn. consociatus, Forst.
pusillus, Coll. Kirby.
Oblong ovate, sometimes subparallel (completely apterous form), shining,
black. Antennae slender, not very long, first foiu- or five joints testaceous,
remainder fuscous. Thorax : punctuation variable, biit usually less coarse than
that of elytra, often somewhat confiuent. Elytra convex, not acuminate, apical
angles slightly rounded, punctuation coarse and subseriate at base. Legs
testaceous, with tarsi darker and posterior femora pitchy to black. Underside
black. Completely or semi-apterous. Length, 1|-1^ mm.
This is the most abimdant species of the black Long! tarsi. It
call only be confused with the black form of luridus, Scop., from
which it may be distinguished by its smaller size, and the weaker, less
confluent, and more seriate character of the elytral punctuation.
* '■' Chriisomela pvJex, C. saliatoria, atra, nilena, nntennix iibiisqtie rufi.i. Long. J, Lat. J L.
Ohlonga, tota nigra, nilens, thorace eljjtrisque subtilissime at irregulariter punctatit." Schrank,
Enuinoratio Ins. Aus. Iiidig. p. 8") (17S1).
V
246 [November,
Food pliiuts. Thymus scrinjUuiu, Sahna pratensis, and other
Lahiatis (Bedel), Satureja montana (Deville), Thymus serpyllum
(H. C. Dollmau, Fowler), Teucrium scorodonia (Fowler).
Distribution ij^eneral throughout the south of England.
Vars. The var. meridionalis, Weise, the only one mentioned in
the European Catalogue (190(3), appears to be unknown in this
country.
L. ANCHUsiE, Payk. [Faun. Suec, Ins. II, p. 101 (1799)].
Syn. ater, Laicharting.
Ovate, shininy, black, considerably laryer than the preceding, from which
it can readily be distinguished by its long stout antennae, more infuscate legs,
and more rounded apical angles of elytra. Antennse : first joint fuscous at
base, second, third, and fourth testaceous, remainder fuscoiis. Thorax : punc-
tuation variable, but generally feebler than in preceding, sometimes almost
obsolete or alutaceous. Elytra : punctuation equally coarse, but denser and
more irregular than in L. ohliteratus ; apical angles strongly rounded. Pygi-
dium exposed. Legs testaceous, sometimes fuscous, with tarsi and all femora
darker; posterior femora black. Underside black. Apterous (in Britain).
Length, If — 2 nmi.
The long stout antennte will easily distinguish this species from
any other of the section.
Food plants. Anchusa and Cynoglossnni (Gryllenhal) , Symjjhytuvi
officinale, Cynoglossum ofichmle, Echium vidgare (Bedel), Anchusa,
Asperugo, Myosotis, Pulmonaria, Lithospermum (cultivated) (Rouquet),
Boraginacex (Foudras) .
This species is not uncommon on the Southern chalk downs, and
can be observed in the early spring hopping about the loose stones, or
swept from the mixed heritage of such localities during the summer.
It appears to be generally distributed throughout the South of
England, especially in chalky districts, and has been recorded from
Norfolk, Durham, and Northumberland,
Vars. A winged fonn, v. punctatisshnus, Foudras, is recorded from
Switzerland by that author.
L. PARVULus, Payk. [Faun. Suec, Ins. II, p. 102].*
Syn. pnsUlus, Illig.
Oblong ovate, shining, black, with a very faint seneous reflection. Antennae :
similar to those of L. ohliteratus. with first four or five joints testaceous,
* The " atra " of Fabrichis [Ci-iocens utru, Sy.st. Kleutli. [, 4f)7. (ISOl) (Payk.) F.aun. Suoc. ii,
p. 100, I'.i)] is clearly Fhyllotreta atra, and the luinic "ater, ' Brit. Coll., for thi.s species cannot
therefore bo lutaiued.
1911.] 247
remainder dusky. Thorax: very tiuely puiu;tured. Elytra: more coarsely
punctured than thorax, but much less so than in tlie two preceding species ;
punctuation somewhat seriate near suture ; apical angles very slightly rounded.
Legs testaceous; posterior femora entirely black, anterior and intermediate
pairs occasionally somewhat infuscate. Underside black. Winged. Length,
U— 1^ mm.
The clistiuftly finer and closer elytral punctuation will readily
separate this species from L. ohUtcratus, with which alone it could be
confused.
Food plants. — According to AUard this species occurs on hornbeam
in Avoods, and one of us has beaten it abundantly from low trees in a
wood near Bally castle, Co. Antrim.
It has been recorded from several localities in Ulster as doing con-
siderable damage to flax crops (see Journal of Dept. Agriculture
and Technical Instruction, Vol. II, pp. 138-140). It appears to be
widely distributed throiighout England, although nowhere common.
We require further evidence as to its real food-plant, but if AUard
should prove to be correct in associating it with hornbeam, this species
will be singular in being the only British member of the genus kiiowai
to feed on any kind of tree.
Vars. — Allard mentions a form, " couleiir de poix bronzee avec
I'extremite des elytres plus claire," which, however, may be merely a
case of immaturity. V. concinnns, Weise, seems to be unknown in
this country.
L. ABSiNTHii, Kuts. [Wien. Monat. 1862, p. 217].
Syn. niger, Bach, Kaferf. iii, p. 149.
Oblong ovate, rather elongate, more or less pitchy, but rarely quite black,
thorax distinctly lighter than elytra, the latter occasionally with indications of
lighter spots at apex and shoulders. Antennse : almost as long as in L. anchusse,
bvit more slender. Punctuation of thorax and elytra coarse and confused, bvit
that of the former less so than of the latter. Apices of elytra moderately
rounded. Legs variable in colour, reddish testaceous to pitchy, darker than in
the allied species, with femora concolorous. tarsi black. Underside black.
Wings absent or riKlimentary. Length, I4-I3 mm.
The general coloration and concolorous posterior femora will
separate this species from L. anrhiisR', and its allies.
Food plant. — Artemisia maritima.
Local, and only recorded from South of England.
V 2
248 (Novsmber,
L. NiGERRiMus, Grjll. [Iiis. Suec. IV, app. p. 656].
Broadly ovate, very convex, entirely black, except the knees, which are
slightly pitchy, and the first joint of posterior tarsi, which is tuscous. Thorax :
pixnctuation almost obsolete, finely ahitaceons. Elytra : punctuation very coarse
and distinct, somewhat subseriate ; apical angles well defined, not rounded off ;
Underside black. Winged. Length, 2|-2i mm.
rood plant unknown.
This species was added to the British list in 1908 by Messrs. Tomlin
and Joy, on examples taken by Dr. Wallace, of Grrinasby, on the Lincoln-
shii'e coast, and a specimen from Grreatham in the collection of the
former. It is reported to have occurred near Middlesborough and in
Scotland. The distribution thus appears, so far as is known, to be east
and north in Britain, and it is unlikely that so conspicuous a species
should have I'emained unrecognized had it occurred anywhere on our
southern coast. The last European catalogue (1906) gives its range
as Northern Europe.
(To be continued).
NOTES ON THE
EAELY STAGES OF H.^MONIA APPENDICULATA, Panz.
BY JOSEPH COLLINS.
During my holidays in the latter part of August, 1911, I devoted
some considerable time to working with the water-net, in a mill-stream
connected with the River Cherwell, near Oxford, for the rare Hsemonia
appendicnlata, Panz., the locality being that already recorded for the
species, in E. M. M., vol. xlvi, p. 238. In the course of these operations,
I came across a strange-looking larva suggesting that of a Dipteron in
its appearance, among the water- weeds in my net. A day or two later,
I noticed several peculiar little cocoons attached to the stems of an
aquatic plant, among the debris which had become detached from the
growing plants and had found their way into the water-net.
At the time Ihad no idea what these cocoons could be, and, therefore,
took a few of them to see what they would produce. Visiting the place
on another occasion, I found that one of these cocoons contained a fully
developed imago on the point of emerging, there being a hole at one
end. On closer examination, I was much pleased and surprised to see
a perfect specimen of H. appendiculata inside, with legs and antennae
folded up sniag and compact in this extremely small place.
I had thus traced the complete cycle of larva, pupa and imago.
1911.]
249
The next tliiu<i;- to be done was to trace the beetle to its real fooJ-plaiit,
and this proved an unexpectedly easy matter. Wading into the stream,
I pulled up a few plants and immediately found the cocoons attached
to the stems, near the roots, of Potamogeton ijectinatus. They have
also occurred on an aqiiatic species of Banuncnlnt^. The lai-vae are
decidedly gregarious, feeding at the roots of these plants in the mud at
the bottom of the stream, sometimes six or eight of them occurring to-
gether in various stages, ranging from a quite small size up to full
growth. From the cocoons brought home by me, two specimens of the
beetle have emerged, one of which I assisted out by breaking open its
cocoon, and have kept in a shallow dish of water with some of the weed
since September 2nd, 1911, At the time of writing (October 6th), it
is still alive. I hoped to determine the real time of appearance of
the imago, but this I find very difficult to state at present. Towards
the end of August I captured two pale immature-looking specimens
which had evidently only just emerged. Throughout the period I was
working for the Hxmonia the larva, pupa, and imago could be taken
together, and on one occasion, when Commander Walker was present,
I brought- out of the watei- the three stages of the insect in a handful
of the food- plant.
fel¥l W
The larva (fig. 1) is a whitish grub, short and stout in appearance,
convex on the dorsal, flattish on the ventral surface, wrinkled along
the sides, and curved at each extremity. It is sparsely clothed on the
dorsal and lateral regions with very short, bristly, ferruginous hairs,
which are hardly visible except with a good lens, and look as if closely
9 ^1 ) [NovemVier,
slioni. On the anal segment is a very peculiar striictni-e (fig. 2) — a pair
of decurved spines or spurs, and at the base of each is a spiracle. The
use of these singular appendages is very interesting, as stated in Prof.
Miall's " Natural History of Aquatic Insects," p. 94, in his remarks on
the larva of Don acta, which is very similar in hal^its and structure to
that of Hcvmonia : — " Eoots of NymjJuea frequented by Bonacia were
observed by Schniidt-Sehwedt* to exhibit peculiar scars. These were
discovered with difficulty, owing to the darlc colour and uneven surface
of the roots. There was in each case a rough hole, made apparently by
the jaws of the larva when feeding, and. at a distance corresponding with
the length of the body, a pair of small slits. On microscopic examination,
these slits were found to penetrate the epidermis of the roots. Some-
thing of this had been previously observed by Siebold, who in 1859
described the larva as biting a hole in the roots of Sparganium, pass-
ing the end of the aJidomen into it, pressing the spiracles by the help
of the curved spines close against the hole, and so drawing the contained
air into its body. Schmidt-Schwedt Itelieves that the pair of openings
are made not l)y the mouth Ijut l)y the spines, and that the air is
drawn in by internal channels running along them."t
MacGrillivi'ay, in his paper on " Aquatic ChrysomeU(hv,"X states
that the larva of [Hivmonia nigrlcornls, Kirby] can be recognized from
that of Bonacia by having the sixtli and seventh alidominal tergites
each armed with a double row of setae, most of which are twice as long
as those found on the other tergites, and the supra- sj)iracular setae
wanting.
The cocoon (fig. 3) is sulx-yliudrical, obtuse-ended, semitrans-
parent, smooth and glassy looking, varying in colour from yellowish
brown to darker brown. When the beetle is mature, its markings can
plainly be seen through the semitransparent walls of the cocoon. The
usual place of attachment is to the stems of the food-plant, a few inches
above the roots, there being sometimes three or four cocoons on a stem.
I have also f ovmd them at the roots spun up among the suckers. I am
indebted to Commander J. J. Walker for the accurate drawings by
Miss M. A. Sharp of the larva, breathing apparatus, and cocoon.
Oxford: Octoher 6th, 1911.
' Berl. Eiitoia. Zeitsclir., xxxi, pp. 325-334, Taf. v, figs. Ml (1887).
t Dewitz (Berl. Entom. Zeltschr., xxxii, p. 5, 1888) believes that in Hcemonia, and pre-
suma1)ly in Douacia also, the spiracles serve for admission of air to the body as Siebold main-
tained. Sehmidt-Schwedt has, H.E.Z., 1880, reaffirmed his original statement.
{ Bull, N. York State Museum, 08, Entom. 18, p. 3H (1903).
1911. 1 251
DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW BRITISH SPECIES OF
RHYACIONIA, Hb. [LEP. TIN.].
BY JOHN HARTLEY DURRANT, F.E.S.
{Published hy permission of the Trustees of the British Museum).
OLETHBE UTIDAE.
241. RHYACIONTA Hb.
= RETINIA On.; ^ EVETRIA (Hb.) Meyr., Stgr-Rbl.
1844"1. Ehyacionia logaea, sp. n.
= Betinia *duplana (nee Hb.) Brt. Br. Lp. XI. 40-1, Pf. 476-2 (1906).
Evetria duplatia (p.) Meyr. HB. Br. Lp. 471 sp. 5 (1895).
Antennae ^ biciliate 1, cinereous, annulate with fuscous ; 9 fuscous. Palpi
fuscous. Head dark ferruginous, mixed with fuscovts ; face fuscous. Thorax
dark fuscous, with some admixture of cinereous and ferruginous. Forewings
elongate, pointed, costa almost straight, termen obliqiie ; fuscous, some of the
scales tipped with white and forming obscure cinereous fasciae, ferruginous
toward the apex and termen, but not at the tornus ; the dark ground-colour
extends along the costa to vein 9, or beyond, along the dorsum to the tornus,
and in the disc to the end of the cell, thence becoming ferruginous, with some
adraixtui-e of fuscous toward the termen; the base of the wing is speckled
transversely with cinereous ; a cinei'eous fascia at one-fourth, widening out-
ward on the cell, is succeeded by a similar fascia angulate outward to the
discoidal, with a third crossing almost to the tornus, some paler transverse
scaling occiirs also before a preapical costal spot ; cilia pale cinereous, with a
fuscous dividing line near the base, and paler lines toward their tips. Exp. al.
14-17 mm. Hindwings fuscous ; cilia paler, with a dark dividing line toward
their base. Ahdome7i fuscous, banded with cinei-eous. Legs cinereous, tarsi
spotted with fuscous.
Type $ (56717) ; ? (62269), Mus. Wlsm., British Museum.
Hah.: Scotland: elgin : Forres, IV. {W. Salvage, 1890, 1891;
W. Beicl, IV. 1891 ; H. Mc Arthur, 1892, IV. 1893). Fifty specimens.
[Mus. Wlsm. 8 (56717, 62047-52, 62269) ; E. South ColL 1 (Dmt.
6458) ; B. A. Bower Coll. 12 (Drnt. 6469-80) ; R. Adkin Coll. 25
(Drnt. 6481-6505) ; N. C. Rothschild Coll. 4 (Dmt. 6521-4)].
Closely allied to duplaiia Hb. and posticana Ztst., but the much
longer antennal ciliations of the ^ will at once separate logaea from
these species. B. posticana has an ochreous head, and is a broader-
winged insect than duplana or logaea, and the hindwings are distinctly
less pointed. The Type ^ of logaea is the specimen figured as " duplana*
by Barrett (Pf . 476*2) ; the 5 is similar, but smaller than the ^ , and
somewhat more distinctly marked, it is however not so clearly and
neatly fasciate as is the true duplana Hb., and the direction of the
252 [November,
fasciae is not quite the same — the dark sealing alonc^ the tornns of the
forewing is a good distinguishing eharacter in Irxjaea.
So far all attempts to estahlish dnplana Hb. as a British species
have been unsuccessful. Curtis descrilied sylvestrana in 18-50 from
British specimens wrongly " distributed amongst Entomologists by
the name of ' dupJana ' " ; the " duplana " of Willcinson, Staiuton's
Manual, &c., is imsticana, Ztst. ; and the " duplana " of Barrett,
Meyriclv, and British Collections, is locjaea.
In 1868 Lord Walsingham purchased as British, from Mr. E. G. Meelc,
two specimens ^ (56517), ? (56518) described thiis, " B. Duplana
716 S & ? not been taken for years " (Meek, /. ?., 27.V.1868). These
two specimens are truly duplana Hb., but I have been imable to con-
firm the occurrence of this species in this country, although Messrs.
South, Bower, Adkin, and the Hon. N. C. Rothschild kindly sub-
mitted to me their series of " dnplana " and podicana.
1846-01. Ehyacionia purdeyi, sp. n.
Antennae simple ; cinereous, annulate with dark fuscous. Palpi cinereous.
Head and Thorax einei-eous, mixed with fuscoiis. Foreivmgs striate with fuscous
and cinereous on the basal two-thirds, thence ferriiginous ; the scales on tlie
basal area are fuscous, mostly tijiped with white, the ground colour appearing
cinereous traversed by fuscovis lines ; two of these lines near the base form a
narrow dark fascia, and are followed by a similar fascia at one-fourth, with
slightly rounded outer margin ; the ferruginoiis terminal area of the wing is
crossed by a narrow fascia of mixed cinereous and fuscous, from the costa at
three-fourths to tlie tornus, and preceded by two similar fasciae, confluent toward
the costa biit divided by ferruginous toward the dorsiuu ; cilia leaden grey,
whitish at the base, with a conspicuous blackish dividing line throughout, fol-
lowed by two very narrow whitish lines. Exp. al. 12-13 mm. Hindwings pale
fuscous ; cilia paler, with a dark dividing line near the base. Abdomen pale
fi\scous. Legs cinereous, tarsi banded with dark fviscous.
Type ^ (300001); ? (300002), British Museum.
Hab. : England: kent, Folkestone, VIP. 1911 (W.Ptirdey). Eight
specimens (Drnt. 6513-20).
Intermediate between sylvestrana Crt., and duplana Hb., but easily
separable from the former by the ferruginous apex of the wing and the
slightly different direction of the fasciae ; from the latter it is dis-
tinguished by its more regular and distinct striation, as also by the
brighter ferruginous colouration which occupies a greater proportion
of the wing-surface, especially towai*d the dorsum.
Mr. Purdey writes that " The insect when disturbed returns as soon as
possible to another branch, resting among the needles of the Scotch
1911-1 253
Fir (Pinvs si/Jrcsfris) flosely concealed, and flies of its own accord jixst
before dusk, in short. fli_u,-hts from one branch to another, occurring
about the third weelc in July, at Folkestone."
This very distinct species was submitted to me for identification through
the Hon. N. C. Eothschild, to whom we are indebt<3d for obtaining
permission to retain the types.
British Museixm (Natural History) .-
October 1st, 1911.
ADDITIONS AND COEEECTIONS TO THE BRITISH LIST OP
MUSCIBM AGALYPTRATM.
BY J. E. COLLIN, P.E.S.
(Concluded from Vol. xlvii, jpage 234).
AGROMYZID.V.
Odinia nnaculata, Meig. — This is the Milichia ornata of the " List." The
type of the geniis Milichia being speciosa, Meig., not congeneric with maculata,
it has been necessary to revive Desvoidy's name of Odinia for maculata and its
allies.
*Odinia boletina, Zett. — This has been considered a synonym of the last
species, but I believe it is distinct. It is the commoner species in England, and
is to be found about tree fungi in the New Forest. Dr. Sharp and Mr. C. G. Lamb
were the first to call my attention to the species.
Schcenomyza. — This genus is now generally considered to belong to the
Anthoinyidae.
Agromyza. — The species of this genus are not well differentiated in iiublished
descriptions, and it is difficult to name them with certainty, but all the sjiecies
I have introduced are represented in Mr. Verrall's Collection and, I believe, are
correctly named. I have not made use of the genus Domomyza, Eond , becaiise
it was founded upon a character which is not of generic value.
Agi-omyza reptans. Fin. — A common species nearly everywhere, which has
long been reputed to occur in Britain, and oixght not to have been omitted from
the " List."
* Agromyza albitarsis, Zett. — Closely allied to the last species, but with paler
tibise and tarsi. I have seen it from Herefordshire, Kent, Cambridgeshii-e and
Suffolk.
* Agromyza posticata, Meig. — The yellowish end half of the abdomen helps
to distinguish this species, which I possess from Herefordshire (one male taken
by Col. Yerbury).
*Agroniyza abiens, Zett. — I have bred this from leaves of Cynoglossum,
gathered at Orford (Siiffolk).
Agromyza flaviceps, Fln.^I caught a male of this pi-eviously i-eputed British
species at Chillesford (Suffolk) in May, 1910.
'y^):t [November,
Arjromyza capitata, Zett. — Fii'st recorded from Keninare, l>y Col. Yerbvuy,
in the " Irish Naturalist " for 1902, Ijiit is not uncommon in England.
*Agromijza carhonaria, Zett. — Specimens of what I take to be this species
were caught by Col. Yerbnry at Dartford (Kent) in 19()8.
*Agromyza laterella, Zett.— Not at all an uncommon, but somewhat variable,
species. The large antennae of the male help to distinguish it, and also tends to
make me dovrbt the distinctness of A. grossicornis, Zett.
*Agromyza vittigera, Zett. — A small species taken by Mr. Verrall at New-
market (Suffolk), and by Mr. Malloch at Bonhill (Dumbarton).
Agromyza luctuosa, Meig., is a reputed British species, and I believe I pos-
sess it from Bonhill (Dumbarton), taken by Mr. Malloch.
*Agromyza verhasci, Bouche. — I have bred this from larvffi, mining the
leaves of Verbascum, gathered at Newmarket (Suffolk).
Agromyza scutellata. Fin., and A. orhona, Meig., both reputed as being British,
may be reinstated in the " List," for I consider that I possess specimens of both
species.
* Agromyza xneiventris. Fin. — Not an uncommon species among those with
black halteres. I possess it from nvimerous localities.
* Agromyza cunctans, Meig. — If I have correctly recognised this, it is a
common species occurring nearly everywhere that I have collected.
* Agromyza ynaura, Meig., appears to be a widely distributed species. I have
seen it from Suffolk, Essex, and Sussex, also from Scotland and Wales.
*Agromyza simplex, Lw. — Originally described from America by Loew, it
was recognised by Chittenden (1898) as being associated in some way with
asparagus in that country. Giard (1904) found it under similar circumstances
in France, and I have taken it only by sweeping over asparagus beds here
(Suffolk) in Jiily and early August.
Agromyza curvipalpis, Zett. — This is the A. hicornis, Kalt., recorded as
British by Mr. Malloch in this Magazine for 1908, p. 180. Zetterstedt perpetu-
ated an unfortunate mistake in naming this species, for he mistook the cliunp
of vibrissse for the palpi.
Agromyza pistacix, Curtis, was described from specimens obtained near Nice
in South Evirope, and has no right to appear in a British List ; while A . latipes,
Meig., being the same as Madiza latipes, may be struck out.
I have failed up to the present to recognise the following among British
specimens : — A. geniculata, Fin., A. nana, Meig., and A. violse, Curtis.
*Cerodonta spinicornis, Macq. — Rondani proposed the name Cerodonta for
Odontocera, Macq., in 1861, a year before Schiner called the genus Ceratomyza.
C. spinicornis may be at once separated from denticornis by its brightly sliining
thorax ; it has been taken l>y Mr. Verrall and myself in Norfolk, Suffolk, and
Cambridgeshire.
* Cerodonta lateralis, Zett. — There are three female specimens of this very
distinct species, under the name Selachops flavocincta, in the late Mr. Dale's
Collection, now at Oxford.
Selachops flavocincta, Wahlbg. — I have seen no British example of this
species, and as it was recorded as British by Mr. Dale upon specimens of
Cerodonta lateralis, Zett., it has no right to ajipear in the " List" at present.
It'll.] 255
PflYTORlYZID.'l':.
The PhytomyzidR', like tlu' A<jro)nij:id!<c. (and I dimbt the correctness of
separating- them into families), are in a very unsatisfactory stcite, and the species
are difficult to name with certainty. I do not accept the u-enus Chromatomyia
of Hardy ; it was founded upon pupal characters, and appears to include species
of both Napomyza and Phytomyza.
Napomyza elegans, Meig. — This rej^iited British species may be reinstated in
the " List," for I have seen British specimens, one taken by Mr. Malloch in
Scotland, and one in the British Museum Collection.
*Napomyza nigriceps, v. d. Wulp. — I have taken this species in Cambridge-
shire and Suffolk. It superficially resembles Phytomyza nigripennis, but the
frons is not entirely dark and the hind margins of the abdominal segments are
narrowly yellowish.
Napomyza xylostei, Desv. — This is the same as the reputed British P.
aprilina, Gour. My specimens were bred from honeysuckle leaves gathered in
Ireland.
Napomyza glechomse, Kalt. — This may be reinstated in the British List, as
I possess a specimen bred from Glechoma leaves gathered near Lewes (Sussex) _
Napomyza fiaviceps, Macq., and nigricans, Macq. — From the descriptions
both these sjjecies obviously belong to the genus Napomyza, and not Phytomyza,
under which they appear in the " List." I have failed to recognise either as
British up to the present.
*Phytomyza nigritella, Zett. — I have taken this species at Chippenham
(Cambs.), and Mr. Malloch has found it at BonhiU (Dumbarton).
Phytomyza nigripennis. Fin. — I have seen sjjecimens of this reputed British
species taken in Herefordshire by Col. Yerbury and Dr. Wood ; it may therefore
be reinstated in the " List."
*Phytomyza morio, Zett.— If I have correctly recognised it, this very small
dark species occurs in Suffolk (Newmarket and Orford).
Phytomyza primulae, Desv. — I have bred this reputed British species from
primrose leaves gathered in the garden here (Suffolk). P. nigra, Meig., of Hardy
(1849), is probably the same.
*Phytomyza fiiscula, Zett. — As I intei'pret this species it is not an uncommon
one in May in the paddock behind Mr. Verrall's house at Newmarket (Suffolk).
*Phytomyza veronicm, Kalt. — I bred a single specimen of this small species,
some years ago, from leaves of one of the common wild species of Veronica.
*Phytomyza crasslseta, Zett. — A very distinct species, with the arista much
more incrassated than usual. It has occurred at Chippenham (Camlis.), and
Mr. Malloch has taken it at BonhiU (Dumbarton).
*Ph])tomyza angelicse, Kalt. — I have bred this from larva> mining the leaves
of Angelica gathei'ed at Chippenham (Cambs.).
Phytomyza syngenesise. Hardy, — I have come to the conclusion that this is
the P. horticola, Gour., and geniculata, Macq., nee Brulle. The larva; are nearly
omnivorous, attacking a large number of plants, but I have bred it principally
from leaves of Sonchus.
Phytomyza chxrophylli, Kalt. — Mr. Verrall bred this species years ago from
leaves of AnthriscMS sylvestris gathered near Lewes (Sussex). It was recorded
as British by Inchbald in 1889 (Entomologist, p. 87).
Ocrc [November,
*Phytomyza rufirornis, Zett. — I have seen specimens from Sussex, Kent,
Surrey, Suffolk, and Norfolk.
Phytomyza jiavicornis. Fin., may be reinstated in the " List." I find it not
ixncommonly at Chippenham (Cambs.) in April.
*Phytomyza jmlhila, Zett. — Mr. Verrall had named this species from speci-
mens taken near his house at Newmarket (Suffolk).
Phytomyza terminalis, Meig. — This is the name now given to analis, Zett.
I have not seen a British specimen.
* rhytomyza tridentata, Lw. — I took a female of this distinct little species
in the garden here (Suffolk) in September, 1909 ; it comes near fiava, but has
a tridentate thoracic marking, and entirely pale antennse and legs.
Phytomyza zetterstedtii, Schin. — This is the P. m,aculipes of Zett., necBrulle,
and may be confirmed as British, for it appears to be not uncommon so far as
my experience goes.
Phytomyza flaviventris, Zett. — This veiy little known sjiecies was recorded
as British by Mr. C. W. Dale. I have not been able to confirm the identification.
Other species of Phytomyza included in the List, but, up to the present, un-
known to me as British, are : — P. plantaginis, Gour., notata, Meig., populicola.
Walk., aquilegiie, Hardy, nigra, Meig., and cinereifrons. Hardy.
Rayland, Newmarket :
October, 1911.
Note on Liodes hrunnea, Sturm, and L. algirica, Rye. — The following is an
exact translation of Sturm's original description of Liodes (Anisotoma) hrunnea,
Jacob Sturm, Deutschlands Insecten, ii, 1807, p. 40 : " Brown-red, oval, convex,
shining, smooth, the elytra striated with strong punctures. Length, hardly one
line. Smaller, otherwise the same shape as L ferruginea, only it is more
pointed behind ; the thorax, too, is less narrowed in front, and therefore
appears to be broader. The colour is red-brown, the thorax strongly shining,
vei-y finely punctured. The elytra are convex, smooth, hut with roivs of very
strong punctures (aber mit sehr starken in Reihen stehenden Pvmkten gestreift).
The tibia3 are fiu-nished with small spines, the posterior ones long and strongly
bent inwards." (The italics are mine. H. J. D.).
In the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine for August, 1911, p. 176, Dr. Joy
states, when writing of L. hrunnea -. "the elytra are parallel-sided to near their
basal half, the strise are finely and very closely punctured." Previous to this he
writes : " the original description (of hrunnea) is of little help, as it might
apply to many species of Liodes " {I.e. p. 167). Be this as it may, I think
Dr. Joy will himself admit it can only apply to a strongly punctiu-ed species,
and not to a finely punctured one. It is therefore clear that the hrunnea of
Dr. Joy's pajier is not the hrunnea of Sturm, and it does not matter what Eye
or anyone else may have considered hrunnea to be ; it is not Sturm's species,
unless the stride of the elytra are very strongly punctiired ! I do not wish in
any way to detract from the value of Dr. Joy's paper, or to take away any of
1911.] 257
the credit which is indeed dm^ to liiiii for liis painstakinji^ work on this difficult
genus. I do, however, think it is nio.-^t dangerous to play fast and loose in this
way with the original description of a species. Systematic Entomology would
be much more pleasant, and very much easier, if we might select certain forms
which we choose to represent certain species, ignore the original descriptions
and synonymy, and then work out a table to fit this selection.
Liodes algirica. Rye. — Dr. Joy states {I.e. p. 167) : " Mr. Donisthorpe's
specimen .... is a small L. dubia"; Dr. Fleischer (Ent. Record, 1911, p. 44),
says the same insect is L. algirica, Rye ! Both of them have seen Rye's type,
and have examined very many more examples of the dubia group than I have,
so that my opinion cannot be of much value. Dr. Joy has recently revised the
British species of the genus ; Dr. Fleischer, on the other hand, has studied the
family for naany j'^ears. It seems to me that my insect differs considerably
from all the specimens of L. dribia I have been able to compare it with, in the
shape of the thorax, the thinness of the tarsi, &c., but Dr. Joy tells me these
characters are variable. As Dr. Joy himself stated, at a recent meeting of the
Entomological Society of London, that he did not really consider any of the
dufeia-group to be good species, and that L. algirica is nothing but a form of
L. dubia, it is viseless to discuss the question further. The specimen will
remain in my collection with Dr. Fleischer's label algirica attached, to show it is
the insect he considers to be algirica. — Horace Donisthorpe. 58, Kensington
Mansions, S.W. : October, 1911.
Occurrence of Longitarsus 7iigerrimus, Gyll., in the New Forest. — I had the
pleasure of taking a specimen of this species in moss, in a boggy pit, on Setley
Plain yesterday. L. nigerrimus is closely allied to holsaticus, but is smaller, it
has no spot on the elytra, and the legs and antennae are blacker ; and the spine
at the extremity of the hind tibia is longer and more slender. Although the
species has escaped notice in our catalogues, yet it is recorded as found in
this country by Weise (Ins. Deutschlands, vi, p. 944). He states that it occurs
in damp places, from July onwards, in company with Dibolia occultans, and
may often be found in numbers in the refuse on peat-moors. He suggests the
possibility of its being Thxjamis atricornis, of Stephens. That species is, how-
ever, recorded by G. R. Waterhouse, on the authority of the Stephensian
collection, as being T. fiiscicollis. — D. Sharp, Brockenhurst : Sept 2dth, 1911.
Homalota basicornis, Mtds. : synonymical note. — In my memoir on the genus
Homalota, I introduced H. autmnnalis with some reserve, remarking that the
male characters did not satisfactorily agi-ee with descriptions. A few years
subsequently Mulsant described H. (Alaobia.) basicornis as a new species, and
Ganglbauer states in his work (Kiif. Mitteleur. ii, p. 187) that my autmnnalis
is really this species. I have never mot with "auiuimiaZis " again until now,
so that I have had no opportunity of investigating the point in a satisfactory
manner, and the name aAitimmialis is still i-etained in our catalogue, notwith-
standing the synonymy given by GangUiauer. Yesterday I found a series of
the species in question under tlu^ l)ark of a fallen fir-tree, l)lown down here last
258 [November,
winter. On exaniininji^ these specimens I have little doubt that Ganglbatier is
correct, and that the autumnalis of my collection is really basicornis, Mulsant.
The only discrepancy arises from the fact that my insect has some fine graniiles
on the 7th dorsal plate of the male abdomen, whereas Mulsant makes no
mention of granules there, and Ganglbauer says there are none. This sculpture
is, however, so minute, that it may easily be overlooked, and I have little doubt
that this will prove to be the case. The fig'ure of the male characters given
by Midsant (Aleochai'iens, iii, pi. iv, p. 13) does not quite agree with our insect,
the lateral spines being exaggerated. His fig\u*es, however, frequently exhibit
similar defects. There is no reason why the true antum7ialis should not occur
in Britain, as it is distributed from Finland to Caucasus, and perhaps it actually
exists in some of ovir collections. — Id. -. October 1st, 1911.
Note on the forms of Galeruca tanaceti, L., occurrwg in Britain. — On
September 16th I came across numerous examples of G. tanaceti on the Merrow
Downs, near Guildford. They were plentiful in various places on the gravelly
and chalky slopes, running about amongst the short grass, the elongate gravid
females (looking just like a small Meloc) preponderating, the males being
comparatively scarce. The insect, however, Avas not very easy to secure, as it
rapidly buried itself amongst the roots of the grass, &c., when approached. A
few pairs were seen mi copula, biit the females could not be traced to any
particular food-plant, which is said to be Achillea millefolium. The long series
captured showed but little variation. There are, however, two well-marked
forms of the species, both in Britain and on the Continent, — one very shining,
with the anterior angles of the prothorax obtuse, and the elytra narrowly
sulcate along the outer margin, not or obsoletely costate on the disc, and the
apices sepax-ately rounded ; the other, duller, larger, and more elongate, with
the head more densely punctate, the anterior angles of the prothorax dentiform
and upturned, and the elytra more broadly sulcate along the outer margin,
more or less costate on the disc, and the apices conjointly svibtrvincate. The
Guildford specimens belong to the smaller and more shining form, which is
probably the true tanaceti, L., and I have others similar from Caterham,
Shiere, Woking, Great Yarmouth, &c. The larger form, my specimens of
which are from Darenth, Eastbourne, Southend, Eeigate, Horning, Oxford, &c.,
is very like the southern G. artemisix, Kosenh. (which I have taken at Granada,
Spain), but wants the conspicuous pvibescence of that insect. The genitalia of
the males of the two fonns are precisely similar. Bedel (Faune Col. Bassin
Seine, v. p. 281), who gives Achillea millefolium as the sole food-plant of
G. tanaceti, suggests that the insect bred by Mr. Kew, at Louth, Lincolnshire,
from larvui foiind on Scabiosa succisa* and Centaurea nigra [cf. Ent. Mo. Mag.
xxiii, p. luT (188G)], is possibly G. pomonse, Scop. ( = mstica, Schall.), which
has a black variety {anthracina, Weise). G. pomonse is a common Continental
insect, and may occur here t ; it resembles G. celandica, Boh., in colour, at
* Mr. Blatcli is also .said by Fowler to bavc taken tlie larvie on this I'lant, the devil's-
bit-scabious.
t Since these remarks have been in typo, I have found five examples of G. pomotHe amongst
the series of G. celandica in the collection of British Coleoptera at the Oxford University Museum :
one of these is labelled as liaving boon captured at " Whcatley " |ncai Oxford], and auothei- " coll.
Hope," but the British habitat require.s confirmation.
'911.1 259
least in its typical form, l)ut appears to differ from G. tanaceli (whit'h is
always black and shining througlioiit) in having the inetathoracic episterna
pubescent (instead of glabrous) and th(^ elytra iisiially costatc. This species
{G. pomome) is said to live on Centaurca jacca and its allies, and Knautia
arvensis, and the Louth insect (which I have not seen) therefore might well
belong to it, G. tanaceti being apparently attached to Achillea. The latter
has been taken by me in many localities on the Continent — in Norway,
Switzerland, N. Italy, Spain, Pyrenees, &c., — but to the best of my recollection
I have never seen it on or near Tanacetum. G. tanaceti has been recorded by
D\u-y [Ent. News, xiv, p. 146 (1903)] from the United States, but the speci-
mens were subsequently found to be i-eferable to G. pomonge, Scop. [cf. Davis,
Ent. News, xviii, p. 269 (1907), which seems to have become acclimatized in
Ohio and Illinois. The larvte have been found there on Phlox divaricata. The
life-history of this insect is fully described by Mr. Davis (oj). cit. pp. 269-275),
and he figures the egg, larva, pupa, and imago. According to Knab [Ent.
News, xvi, pp. 230-232 (1905)], the larva of Galeruca is cylindrical, rather
stout, and supplied with numeroiis large seta-bearing tubercles ; the median
tubercles in G. tayiaceti being arranged in regular longitudinal rows, while in
G.pomonse the tubercles of this series are irregtilarly arranged. — G. C. Champion,
Horsell, Woking: October 6th, 1911.
Note on the habits of an Algerian Cicada (Melampsalta cantans, F.). — During
a recent visit to Algeria with my friend the Rev. F. D. Morice, we spent a few
days at Batna (June 22nd — 27th), a place not very far from Biskra, but at a
considerable elevation (about 32(X) ft.). To reach the mountain slopes from
this town we had to drive daily about eight miles across barley fields, alterna-
ting with stony tracts covered with thistles and other spiny plants and low
bushes. In these localities a large robust Cicada (Melampsalta cantans, P.)
was so abundant as to remind one of the migi-atory swarms of a locust. They
seemed to be travelling about the wastes, alighting in large niunbers on our
clothes and the seats of the carriage, and even on the coachman's whip, as we
drove past daily, and so numerous were they that we had to eject them from
time to time from the vehicle. There were no trees near, and the insect was
seen resting everywhere on the bushes. Their flight was short and heavy, and
luilike most Cicadas, they could be captured easily by hand. This habit of a
large Cicada was quite new to me, and therefore seems worth recording. — Id.
Supplementary broods of Lepidoptera in 1911. — The very interesting note by
Mr. G. F. Mathew on a second brood of Limenitis sibylla in September {ante,
p. 235) has induced me to record the occurrence of supplementary genei-ations
of several species of butterflies and moths during the past wonderful summer.
On September 15th, I noticed Pararge megsara, in fair numbers and excellent
condition, on the cliffs at Milford-on-Sea, Hants. ; perfectly fresh specimens of
its congener, P. egeria, being at the same time on the wing in the New Forest.
My friend Mr. C. G. Lam)) informs me that /'. megsera was abvindant and in
fine condition at I'adstow, Cornwall, during the last week in September. On
260 [November,
September 26tli I saw at Wolvercote a fresh ^ of Pieris brassicx, the second
brood of which had quite disappeared by the middle of August ; on the 28th,
I took a small biit fine g specimen of Porthesia similis on a gas-lamp, and to-
day (October 20th) saw another, quite fresh and of normal size, in a similar
situation. A batch of abovxt 70 ova, laid by a ? Parasemia xilantaginis taken at
Tubney on June 3rd, hatched about the 14th, and the larvae, without exception,
fed up rapidly to fiill growth on lettuce leaves ; from these I have bred, between
Aiigust 26th and October 14th, a fine series of the moth, rather above the average
size, and a large proportion of the ? 's having the hind-wings more or less
strongly tinged with crimson. — James J. Walker, Oxford : October 20th, 1911.
Loxopera heatricclla, Wlsm., in Essex. — One day, at the end of last March, I
was passing an old rough field, on the borders of which a few plants of Coniuni
maculatum, the common hemlock, grow ; by no means a common plant in this
district by the way. I have known these plants or their predecessors for at
least twenty years, and have more than once searched them for Depressaria
larvse, but for some inexplicable reason it had never occurred to me that there
might be something of interest in the dead flower stems ; upon opening two or
three of them on this occasion, I was somewhat startled to find in one of them
three larvse, evidently of a Loxopera. What sjiecies could it be ? I knew of no
member of this genus whose larva fed on tliis plant, so a few stems were brought
home and placed in the garden. On June 8th two empty pupa cases were seen
sticking out of one of the stems, which were at once brought into the house, and
the nextmorning, somewhat to my svirprise, I foundthree heatricclla had emerged,
an insect I had hitherto associated with Pastinaca sativa, from which plant it lias
been bred by Mr. W. Purdey (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxxv, 289). This is qiiite new to the
Essex list. The moths came out with the iitmost regularity between 7 and 10 a.m. ;
after the latter hour not a single specimen aj^peared until about 7 o'clock next
morning. Not a single parasite of any kind was bred from them. — A. Thubnall,
Wanstead, Essex: October, 1911.
0»i the killing of flies, bees, i^c, by wasps. — As I was sitting in a dining room
at Richmond recently, a wasp came in through the window and proceeded to
kill a common laouse-fly, and having done so, carried it off through the window.
I saw this done some half-dozen times, but I am unable to say if it was the
same wasp or other specimens from the same nest. On another occasion, a wasp
caught a " blue-bottle " fly, but finding it too heavy to carry off in one journey,
it proceeded to bite off the legs and tried to lift it, but still found it too heavy,
and so the fly's head was bitten off, and the body carried off in triumph, the
victor afterwards returning for the liead ! Some few days later, when resting
in the garden, I noticed a wasp busily engaged with some object on the path,
and, on closer inspection, found that it had succeeded in killing a specimen of
Bonibus at least twice its own size, and had eaten the whole of the abdomen of
the bee. I killed this wasp, and was surprised, a few moments later, to find
that another had taken its place. These incidents all occiirred during the
month of August, and are, perhaps, of conunon knowledge to those who have
made a special study of wasps. — J. C. Eales White, Richmond, Surrey :
October 3rd, 1911.
1911.] 261
The Macko-Lepidopteka of the Wokld. By Dr. A. Seitz. Part I: Macho-
Lepidoptera of the Pal^arctic Eegion. Stuttgart : Alfred Kernon Verlag.
Tlie completion of the first volume (dealing with the Palffiarctic Bvitter-
flies), not only in the German, but also in the English edition, and the progress
which is being made with varioixs other sections of the work, afford good
evidence that lioth editor and publishers, together with the many other colla-
borators, are taking their gigantic task in earnest, and that the present
generation of Lepidopterists may look forward to the possession, at no very
distant date, of what has never before been possible of attainment — a tolerably
complete iconography of the known Macro-Lepidoptera, together with letter-
press adequate for the determination of species, and often even further infor-
mation as to their habits and the outlines of their life-history. When the
work was first launched some five years ago, the fear was expressed in some
quarters that its scope was almost too vast to be capable of actualisation, and
that it might fall throvigh after the better known families had been worked
out ; but we are now assured that all the principal families are in the hands of
competent specialists, the preparation of those which are not already actually
in progress, well advanced, and material accessible for figuring from the
richest collections. A rvamour that the English translation might be aban-
doned is, we learn on the highest authority, absolutely without foixndation,
and certain sections of the work are even contributed originally in English.
Already 69 parts of the Palsearctic section are to hand, and 60 of the Exotic.
As regards the general scheme of classification, the Introduction disclaims
any purpose of deciding between rival scientific systems, and Dr. Seitz is only
concerned to find a practicable sequence. Perhaps some critics will say he has
erred in the direction of ultra-conservatism in this respect, and although he
recognizes the soundness of some of the findings of modern research (such as
the Tortricid affinities of Cossus) he shows no interest in such revolutionary
proposals as those of Tutt in Vol. i of " British Lepidoptera." Indeed, Entomo-
logists to whom Staudinger's Catalogue has been the " last word " in taxonomy,
will have little difficulty in finding their way throvigh their" Seitz," or through
the Palsearctic Ehopalocera, at least. At the same time, individual collabora-
tors have been allowed a good deal of latitude in matters of detail.
The Eastern Palasax-ctic Eegion is given a wider extent than in Staudinger,
reaching southward to about 30° N. lat. This is certainly much truer to the
known facts, although naturally there are districts here and there in which
there is a real overlapping in faunistic character.
The first volume is the work of several hands, and it is no disparagement
to say that its quality is not quite equal throiighout. We have no space for
detailed criticism, and can merely indicate that Seitz himself is responsible for
the Danaidae, Erycinidae, Lycxnidae, and, in large measure, for the Papilionidx,
Satyridx, and Nymphalidse, besides a general introduction to the Grypocera ;
Rober has worked out the Pieridx ; Stichel, Doritis, Parnassms, Morphidx, and
a part of the Nymphaiidx\: Mabille, the Hesperidx ; Eiffinger, the genus Erebia.
X
2G2 [November,
The general arrangement, indexing, &c., are good ; the illiistrations excel-
lent, and marvels of cheapness; and the \vork is worthy of the support of all
who are interested in the Lepidox>terii, or desirous for the wider dift'vision of
knowledge concerning them.
(ibihiaries.
George Henry Verrall, well known as the doyen of British Dipterists, and a
valued contribiitor to the pages of this Magazine, passed away, after a trying
illness of some months' duration, at his residence, Siissex Lodge, Newmarket, on
September 16th, 1911, in his 64th year.
The youngest of seven chikh-en, he was born at Lewes, on February 7th,
1848, of a family whose ancestors had lived in the Borougli and had taken an active
interest in the administration of its affairs for hundreds of years. From
1857-1864, he attended Lewes Grammar School, receiving a good classical
education of the kind then taught in such old-established institutions. Upon
leaving, he read for the Civil Service (Somerset House), but decided that such
a sedentary life was not to his taste, nor were the prospects of promotion satis-
factory. About 1866, he became private secretary to his eldest brother, wlio
had tlie management of various race meetings, and remained witli him until
about 1875, at which jjeriod he was nearly tempted into following the example
of Bates and Wallace in undertaking a collecting exj^edition abroad. The duatli
of his brother, however, in 1877, and his appointment a& successor in tlie business
his brother had built up, gave him sufficient scope for his energies and kept him
in England. In 1879 he married and settled down for life at Newmarket,
building himself a house and calling it " Sussex Lodge," after the county of which
he was a native. He was very successful in business, becoming in 1881 j^artner
in the firm of Pratt & Co., Eace Coiu-se Managers and Bankers. In course of
time he accumulated sufficient wealth to enable him to proseciite with success
most of his ambitions, to supply the means to pursue his favourite study
of the Biptera, and to collect together a valuable library upon the subject.
He developed a love for Natural History at school, and very shortly after
leaving decided to confine his attention to the Diptera, an order then in a state of
chaos ; by indefatigable collecting and.study he reduced this chaos into something
like order, publishing, in 1888, a " List " of the British species, of which a second
edition, the result of further research, appeared in 1901, while he was at work
upon a third edition at the time of his death. In his youth he was an intimate
associate of many of the famous entomologists of those days, including Stainton,
Rye, Douglas, Scott, McLachlan, etc., and learnt to appreciate the benefits of
friendly social intercourse among those devoted to the same pursuits. This led
him to take great interest in the " Entomological Club," a small and select
Society, founded in 1826, " for the purpose of social meetings at the residences
of members, for the commimication of facts, the comparison of notes, the
naming of specimens, and mutual improvement in the science of Entomology."
Ent. Mo. Mag., Nov., 1911.
Photo
Clarence Hnilcy.
1911]. 263
He was elected an honorary member of this Club on February IGth, 1887, at a
meetinjj held at Mr. Grut's, and a full member at the next meeting on
April 27th, 1887 (the other members then being Dr. H. Francis, Dr. Lowne
Dr. Thudichum, and Messrs. Grut and S. Stevens), and immediately
proceeded to make the meeting at which he was host a rallying point for students
of all branches of Entomology. Many a life-long friendship has originated at
the HoUiorn Restaurant where his meetings were held, and many a wrongly
formed impression of a correspondent has been rectified, while all those who
have had the pleasure of attending on these occasions, will ever remember the
kindly generosity and the unfailing good nature and geniality of their host. It
was mainly owing to his efforts that this old-established Club was prevented from
dying out.
His was a well-known figure at the meetings of the Entomological Society
of London, which he joined in 1866 ; always taking a keen interest in its affairs,
he acted as Honorary Secretary for a short period, served many times upon the
Council, and in 1899 had the honour conferred upon him of election as its
President. His first entomological note was upon the occurrence of Diasemia
ramhurialis, Dup., at Lewes, published in this Magazine for 1866, and two years
after, in the same Magazine, he published his first article upon Diptera (Notes
on some Bi-itish SyriM). Though never a voluminous writer, he contributed
many short notes for the Magazines, including " Notes on the British Tipididse,"
in 1886-87. and valuable " Tables of the British species of Dolichopodidw," in
1904-5. Bvit the chief object of all his collecting and studies had always been
the production of a standard work on " British Flies," by which he hoped to
place the knowledge of the British Diptera upon a firm footing. Unfortunately,
only two volumes have appeared from his pen, one on the Platypezidse, Pipunculidse
and Syrphidse, and one on the families Stratiomyidse to Cyrtidse inclusive, but
these will long remain monuments to his memory.
Though not a great traveller, he visited most of the capitals of Europe to
examine collections and to make the acqvTaintance of fellow- workers abroad, but
he never collected outside the British Isles, and his only publications on foreign
Diptera were on the Diptera of Kerguelen Island (Phil. Trans. Royal Soc. 1879),
and on the Syrphidse collected near Aden by Col. J. W. Yerbvuy (Trans. Ent.
Soc. Lond., 1898). He was an excellent field naturalist and collector in his best
days, never disheai-tened, and ajjparently with no knowledge of what fatigue
meant ; b^it, for the last few years, his more intimate friends had noticed, with
misgivings, his inability to iindergo exertion, the failing power in the stroke of
his net, and his lack of application, all probably the resiilts of the condition of
his heart, which was also largely responsible for bringing on the illness from
which he died.
He was a great believer in Lord Eosebery's maxim, that it is the duty of
every good citizen to take an active part in public affairs, and no man ever lived
up to this creed more fully than he did. There was scarcely an office to which
his fellow-townsmen could elect liim that ho did not fill at one time or another,
with ci'edit to himself and with advantage to the comm\iuity. In addition, lie
gave a lai'ge amoiuit of his valuable time to the affaire of the county as Justice
X 2
2gJ, [November,
of the Peace, and as Councillor and Alderman of the Cambridgeshire Coitnty
Council, of which body he was Vice-Chairnian at the time of his death. Finally,
he foxight three parliamentary elections, and was retvirned at the second (in
January, 1910), as representative for East Canibs.
He lived a strenuous life, and died, as lie wished, in harness. According to
his express desire his body was cremated, his ashes being interred in Newmarket
Cemetery on September 22nd, in the presence of a very large number of
sympathisers and friends. His wife, who survives him, bore him no children.
Alexander Henry Clarke. — We notice with regret the death of Mr. Alexander
Henry Clarke, of Earl's Court, London, who was one of the Senior Fellows of
the Entomological Society, having been elected so long ago as 1867. He was
born on January 31st, 1839, and died on July 2oth last.
Mr. Clarke was educated at King's College. Through his whole life he was
a diligent cpllector and observer of the Lepidoptera ; his name is frequently
mentioned in the wox-ks.of Soixth, Tutt, &c., and he contribtited many notes and
observations to the " Entomologist's Record," the last of these appearing in
Januaiy, 1906. His scientific studies were piu-sued mainly as a recreation in
the intervals of business, as he was an active partner up to the time of his
death in a leading firm of solicitors in the City. Besides Entomology, he was
well versed in several subjects, for he was also a Botanist, an Assyriologist,
and a student of ancient History in general. He fonned a large collection of
Lepidoptera from all parts of the world. Many of his collecting excursions had
for their starting point a small house at Marlow, which he kept up for this
purpose to the time of his death ; and in 1859 he captured in that district
a specimen of the then ver_ ±e Orrhodia erythroccphala, F., which he aftei'-
wards presented to the Nationtvl Collection.
Albert ifarrisoji.— Lepidopterists have lost another ardent worker in Mr.
Albert Hai-rison, of South Woodford, Essex, whose death from hsemorrhage on
the brain occurred suddenly on August 28th last. Born in 1860 at the New
Pale Farm, near Frodsham, Cheshire ; he was educated at the Liverpool Insti-
tute, but when only fifteen years of age joined the Sugar Refinery of Messrs.
Henry Tate and Sons in Liverpool, from whence, three years latei-, he was trans-
feri-ed to the London branch of the same firm. Here his business aptitude
made his promotion rapid, and he was eventually appointed Manager.
From a boy he was keenly interested in Natural History, and his early home
being situate close to the famous Delamere Forest, he had every opportunity of
following the bent of his inclination. So fond indeed was he of Delamere, that
up to the time of his death, he usually spent part of his holiday each year in
its vicinity. But it was not until 1888 that he began the study of the
Lepidoptera in a serious and scientific method. In this he was joined by Mr.
Hugh Main (so well known in connection with the photographic delineation of
insect life) with whom he became so intimate a friend, that a sort of partner-
ship was established between them in their scientific studies, and even to the
joint ownership of the fine collection formed by them. Of late years Mr.
1911.] 265
Harrison had been y^rcatly interested in the Mendolian Tlioory in its rclati(jn
to Lcpidoptera, and had carried out extensive experiments with the various
forms of Aplecta nebulosa, and I'ieris napi, and its var. hryoniie, the records of
the results of which, in the transactions of the Entomological and South
London Societies, we liave all read with so much interest ; whilst the exhibi-
tions of the remarkable series of both species afforded great delight to those
who saw them. At the time of his death he was engaged in experimental
crossings of the various forms of Boarmia repandata. For many years few
men were better known at the Meetings of the Sovith London Entomological
Society, and later at those of the Entomological Society of London, for he was
rarely absent, and always took the greatest interest in the proceedings. In
1899 he was President of the former Society, and served on the Council of the
latter from 1908 to 1910. In 1898 he was elected a Fellow of the Linnean
Society, and was also Fellow of the Entomological, Zoological. Eoyal Microsco-
pical, and Chemical Societies, and Member of many others.
As a man he was esteemed by every one with whom he came in contact ;
quiet and unassuming, genial, and ever ready to help his fellow workers in
their Entomological pursuits.
It is satisfactory to know that the collection and his work will be continued
by his brother-in-law, Mr. Hugh Main.
The funeral took place at Alvanley, near his old home in Cheshire, and was
attended, in addition to many relatives and old Cheshire friends, by representa-
tives of several of the Societies with which he had been connected, and by
representatives of both the Liverpool and London Branches of Messrs. Henry
Tate and Sons.— G. T. P.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, September 14th, 1911.— Mr. W. J. Kayb, F.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. Turner exhibited a photograph of a very dark specimen of Lithosia
dcjdana (helveola) sent him by Mr. Cockayne, and asked if such melanic speci-
mens had been recorded. Mr. Grosvenor, an extensive series of Pieris napi, taken
and bred in 1911 ; selected to show every phase of variation obtained, including
a gynandromorph, a male with female markings, specimens of yellow general
coloration, &c. Mr. West (Greenwich), Teratocoris antennatus and Nahis
lineatus, two uncommon species of Hemiptera, from near Gravesend. Mr. Gibbs,
long and varied series of Satyrus semele v. aristaeus, Pararge megxra. v. tigelms,
and Epiinephele jurtina v. hispuUa, from Corsica. Mr. Kaye, young larva; of
Rumicia phlseas, Phisia bractea, and a very rare Sphingid, Xylo^ihanes isaon, new
to science, taken by him in S. Brazil. Mr. Curwen, a large nmnber of aberrations
of British Lepidoptera. Dr. Chapman, empty and full galls of Andricus ostreus,
the peppercorn gall. Mr. Bari'ett, living larva; of Synto^nis phctjea, from Sicily.
206 [November,
Thursday, September 28th, 1911. — Tlio President m the Chair.
Ephyra pcndularia ab. subroseata. — Mr. Kaye exhibited a long series of this
species, inchiding some very beantifully marked examples of the variety.
Hadena contigua, bred from ova. — Capt. Cardew, a beautiful series bred from
ova laid by a New Forest ? ; 49 imagines were obtained from 62 fertile ova.
" Butterflies in the Forest of Arques." — Mr. Moore read a short note on a visit
recently made, and exhibited a number of species he obtained. He referred to
the abundance of Picris napi, and the scarcity of P. rapm, in the Forest about
August 12tli last. Agrius convolvuli in Deptford. — Mr. Moore, the only one
noted by him this season. Aplecta 2yrasina (herbida), irregular feeding up. —
Mr. Main, a bred example, remarkable for the delicacy of its colouring. Some
of the larva3 were still small, some were in pupas, and this had emerged. Hadena
protea, Anthrocera hiiJpocrepidis {?), and teratological A. filipiendulse, — Mr. Bux-
ton, a long series of the first from near Tonbridge at sugar ; and of the last
species one specimen had the antennae short, but very thick and contorted. —
Ht. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London .- Wednesday, October -ith, 1911, — The
Rev. F. D. MoRicE, M.A., President, in the Chair.
Mr. C. B. Williams, of 20, Slatey Eoad, Birkenhead, was elected a Fellow
of the Society. The President proposed a vote of condolence with the relatives
of the late Mr. Verrall, which was seconded by Prof. Poulton. A vote of con-
dolence witli the relatives of the late Mr. Albert Harrison was proposed by the
Rev. G. Wheeler, and seconded by Mr. W. J. Kaye ; and a similar vote in the
case of Mr. S. H. Scudder was proposed by Mr. Champion, and seconded by Prof.
Poulton. Mr. Donisthorpe exhibited specimens {S S and $ 5 ) of Formica pra-
tensis, De G. {congerens, Nyl.), taken at Rannoch in June, also $ <$ of F. sanguinea
captured in the same region, a new locality for it ; and $ '^ and ^ $ of a new
race of Formica rufa, also from Rannoch. Mr. Bethune-Baker, a specimen of
Melanargia galathea, var. lugens, taken at Digne in July last. It is an entirely
dark brown (almost black) form, with no white marlvings, though the ordinary
markings are just traceable in a slightly lighter shade. Commander Walker
observed that a similar example had also been taken in England. Mr. Norman
H. Joy, a remarkable specimen of Oxytelus taken at Tresco, Scilly Isles, April,
1908. In many respects it is quite intermediate in character between 0. sculptus
and 0. laqueatvs. Marsh. It is jji^obably a species new to science, but may
possibly be a hybrid of these two species. He also showed Liodes stenocoryphe,
Joy, (? . taken by Mr. W. E. Sharp, at Forres, in 1910, as well as its near allies
for comparison, viz., Liodes picea. 111., taken by Mr. Tomlin and Mr. Joy at Dal-
whinnie, Inverness-shire, in September, when the larva was also found feeding
on a small underground fungus ; L. dubia, Kug., and its variovis varieties ; and L.
algirica. Rye, almost certainly only anotlier variety of this species. Mr; W. C.
Cx'awley, a mixed colony of Lasius umbratus and L. nigcr. Tiiis colony consists
ii*ii.] 267
of a 9 L. umbratus, which was accei^ted in lOoHbya queenless colony of L. nigcr.
Duriny 1909 and 1910 only nitjcr ^ $ came to maturity in the nest ; those,
therefore, that hatched in 1910 must have been from parthenogenetic eggs laid
by the niger ^ $ . Over a dozen of these latter were dissected, and found to
''ontain no receptaculum seminis. Mr. Donisthorpe commented on the interest
of Mr. Crawley's experience, remarking that while it had formerly been supposed
that parthenogenetically laid ova produced only (J S , Mr. Crawley had shown,
and proved by dissection, that $ $ were capable of parthenogenetically produc-
ing $ y . The President observed that parthenogenesis was not unvisual in
sawflies, and mentioned that in one species, Crcesris I'arus, which had been
founded on a J specimen, the original specimen was the only J known. Dr.
M . Bui-r remarked that the common '• stick insect " is largely parthenogenetic
and has been bred parthenogenetically for more than twelve conseciitive genera-
tions. Mr. E. A. Cockayne, a melanic specimen of Lithosia deplana, J , taken
in Surrey last July. Mr. J. Piatt Barrett, some species of Sicilian butterflies
taken this year in contrast with corresponding British species, viz., Euchloe car-
damines and E. damone, Gonepteryx rliamni and G. cleopatra, Hipparchia semele
and var. algirica. Small Southern forms were also exliibited of E. cardamines
and Liptosia sinapis. Dr. Chapman, living larvae of Albulina pheretes, and a
living imago of Latiorina orhitulus, and observed that his former suggestion that
Albulina pheretes probably had a larva withoxit a honey gland was incorrect.
The larva of A. pheretes possesses a honey gland and fans. Owing probably to
the warm weather dvu-ing August and September, three of the larvae reached the
last instar, and he was therefore able to exhibit the larva in the 3rd, 4th, and
5th (or last) instars. L. orbit^ilus also afforded " forward " larva? this season,
and the living bvitterfly of this autumnal emergence which was exhibited left
the pupa on October 2nd ; but Vacciniina optilete, without exception, stopped at
the 3rd or hibernating instar. Mr. J. H. Durrant, two new British species of
Rhyacionia Hb. (= Retinia On. ; Evetria Hb.,Meyr.), viz. : — Rhyacionia purdeyi,
sp. n., taken among Scotch fir at Folkestone at the end of July, 1911, by Mr. W.
Purdey, a very distinct species intermediate between sylvestrana, Crt., and
duplana, Hb. ; and R. logaea, sp. n., from Forres, Scotland (W. Salvage and H.
McArthur), closely allied to duplana, Hb., and posticana, Ztst. R. duplana, Hb.,
(J and $ . as also both sexes of R. posticana, were exhibited for comparison.
Mr. J. H. Dvu'rant, also eighteen specimens of Colias taken by himself in a
field of lucerne at Barcote, near Faringdon, Berks, from September 4r-10, 1892.
These comprised both hyale (2) and edusa (14) and two aberrations of the latter,
one of a very light orange colour (ab. helicina) and the other a fine ab. helice.
All the specimens of C. edusa were of a yellowish-orange tint. Mr. W. J. Lucas,
specimens of Sympetrum fonscolombii, a species very seldom taken in Britain,
and quite new to the Forest, at a pond in the South of the New Forest, on
August 4, 7, 8, 25 and 29, all but one being males. S. fonscolombii is usually
considered to be a casual visitor only to oiir shores ; but this case seems rather
to throw doubt on this siipposition, for the date is a late one, the insects on the
first visit to the pond were very fresh, one was a female, which looked oven
fresher than the males, and females seem seldom to join migratory swarms.
268 [November, 1911.
Dr. F. A. Dixey read a letter received by him from Mr. E. A. Agar, of
Dominica, "West Indies, on the subject of the Separation of the Sexes of Hypo-
limnas misipjjus, the writer remarking- that in tliat ishxnd, although haunting
similar localities, the ? remains on the coast, while the S is to be met with
some distance inland. The former is scarcely ever to be seen in company Avith
the (J of its own species, though it flies with Danaida plexippus, of which it is a
mimic. Dr. Dixey remarked that it was a common experience that one sex of a
butterfly at any given time was more in evidence than the other. Mr. Millar,
of Durban, had drawn his attention to the fact that, speaking generally, the
males were more apt to be on the wing during the morning, and the females in
the later hours of the day. Dr. Long-staff observed that in North Africa certain
species of Teracolus gave abundance of (? (? in the morning, whilst in the after-
noon the 9 9 predominated greatly. Prof. Poulton exhibited the cocoon of
the Hypsid moth, Deilemera antinorii, Oberth., which Mr. W. A. Lamborn had
intended to exhibit on June 7th last. He also exhibited examples from three
of the all-female broods obtained by Mr. W. A Lamborn, chosen becavise they
prove that the unisexual batches are not necessarily associated with either of
the forms of encedon in the locality, one brood being all lycia, another all
encedon, while the third was as nearly as possible half and half (23 to 24). Prof.
Poulton fiu-ther exhibited a series of eight Acrsea alciope and five A. aurivillii,
bred in the present year by Dr. G. D. H. Cai-penter from thii'teen small larvaj
found on a single leaf of the food-plant on Damba Island, in the Victoria
Nyanza to the east of Entebbe. The result entirely confirmed the conclusions
of Mr. Eltringham and Dr. Jordan that A. aurivillii is the $ of A. alciope.
The Rev. G. Wheeler, some living ^ $ of a small ant, identified by Mr. Donis-
thorpe as Monomorium pharaonis, imported from Madeira, and now settled in
England, together with several butterflies whose bodies and heads had been
devoured by them while in the setting box. He observed that these insects
had all been killed in the cyanide bottle, whilst others in the same setting box
which had been injected with oxalic acid were left imtoviched. The President
said that about the l^eginning of July this year he had noticed, while collecting
near El Guerrah, the junction for Constantino, Biskra and Alger, both sexes of
the yellow and black Leucospis gigas, and of another red and black Leucospis,
flying in great nrunbers round a cairn of stones on the top of a hill, and
suggested that the common instinct to seek high places might provide a
meeting-ground for the sexes.
Commander Walker read the following papers — (1) Report on a collection
of Bomhyliinie (Diptera) from Central Africa, with descriptions of new species,
by Prof. Mario Bezzi, Tiu-in, Italy (communicated by G. A. K. Marshall, F.E.S.).
(2) An enumeration of the Bhynchota collected during the Expedition of the
British Ornithologists' Union to Central Dutch New Guinea, by W. L. Distant.
(3) (Estridx Cavicolse, by Ivan E. Middleton, F.E.S., of Serampore, India. —
G. Wheeler, Hon. Secretary.
NOTE.— Subscriptions for 1911 (6s. per annum, post free)
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CONTENTS.
Notes on the British species of Longitarsus, Latr. (a genus of Coleoptera). —
J. R. le B. ToniUn, M.A., F.E.S., and W. E. Sharp, F.E.S 245
I ^^'Notes on the early stages of Hsemonia appendiculata, Panz. — Joseph Collins... 248
Description of two new British species of Rhyacionia, Hb. (Lep. Tin.). —
J. H. Durrani, F.E.S 251
Additions and Corrections to the British List of Muscidse Acalyptratse
{concluded).— James E. Collin, F.E.S 253
Notes on Liodes brunnea, Sturm, and L. algirica, Rye. — S. J. Donisthorpe,
F.Z.S 256
Occurrence of Longitarsus nigerrimus, G-yll., in the New Forest. — D. Sharp,
31. A., F.E.S 257
Homalota basicornis, Muls. : synonymical note. — Id 257
I Note on the forms of Q-aleruca tanaceti, L., occurring in Britain. — G. C.
^' Champion, F.Z.S 258
Note on the habits of an Algerian Cicada (Melampsalta cantans, F.). — Id 259
Supplementary broods of Lepidoptera in 1911. — James J. Walker, M.A.,
R.N.,F.L.S 259
Lozopera beatricella, Wlsm., in Essex. — A. Thurnall 260
On the killing of flies, bees, &c., by wasps. — J. C. Eales White 260
Review. — The Macro-Lepidoptera of the World. Ri/ Dr. A. Seitz. Part I :
Macro-Lepidoptera of the Palsearctic Region 261
Obituary. — George Henry Verrall, F.E.S. (with Portrait) 262
Alexander Henry Clarke, F.E.S 264
Albert Harrison, F.L.S 264
Societies. — South London Entomological Society 265
Entomological Society of London 266
Duplicates : — Sparganii, arion, albimacula, obfuscata, santhomista, abruptaria*
(black), fasselina,* pilosaria (black), zanaria,* hirtaria, &c. — W. J. Ogden, 87,
Clapton Common, London, N.E.
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TWO COLEOPTERA NEW TO SCIENCE.
I BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.R.C.S., F.E.S.
Bledius secerdendus, sp. nov.
Wlieii re-arrangiug my collection to make room for the new
species of Bledius recently descrilied by Dr. Sharp, I took the oppor-
tunity to critically examine other members of the genus. I was at
once struck by evidently specific distinctions between the so called
' light " and " dark " forms of B. arenarms, Payk. On communica-
ting this observation to Dr. Sharp he informed me that he had
separated these two forms as far back as 1871, but had never pub-
lished any note on them. Mr. P. de la Garde had also a short time
ago pointed out the specific differences to him. Under the circum-
stances I hesitated to take fui-ther steps in the matter, but Dr. Sharp
asked me to do so, and Mr. de la Garde has kindly allowed me to see
his long series of both species. It is evident that the original descrip-
tion of B. arenarms applies to the form with straw-coloured elytra,
and I therefore propose the name B. secerdendus for the species with
dark elytra. It may be briefly described thus : —
Black, with apical border and posterior angles of elytra broadly dirty
testaceous ; mandibles long and slender ; first joint of antennae pitchy, witli
extreme base and apex testaceous, the other joints obscurely testaceous ; head
and thorax dull, alutaceous, moderately strongly punctured, the latter with a
deep central line and strongly contracted at base ; elytra broader than thorax,
about one-third longer than wide, closely and moderately strongly punctured ;
hind body shining, finely ahitaceous and obsoletely punctured ; femora pitchy,
tibiae pitchy-testaceous, tarsi testaceous. Long., 3'5 mm.
B. sece Jendus differs from B. arenarins in the following charac-
ters : — It is larger and stouter ; the antenntB are slightly darker ; the
head and thorax are more strongly punctured and alutaceous ; the
thorax has a deeper central line, and the sides are more abruptly con-
tracted at the base, the basal portion being longer and the posterior
angles more prominent ; the elytra are darker and more strongly
punctured ; the prominences at the outer angles of the last dorsal
segment of the hind body are blunter ; the tibiae are slightly more
dilated, and the spines longer.
The B. arenarius, v. suhnicjer, of Schneider (from the Island of
Borkum), is considered by its describer as nothing more than a mon-
strosity. Mr. de la Garde's specimens of B. secerdendus were taken
at Dovercourt and Dawlish, and I have captured it at Tresco, Scilly
Isles, and Cloghane, Co. Kerry.
270 [December,
Khynchites hakwoodi, sj). nov.
The differentiation of the two species of RhyncMtes, R. nanup.,
Paylc, and B. iincinatns, Thorns., has always been a puzzle to me.
The difficulty has been quite cleared up liy the discovery that there is
a third species, resembling B. micinatus almost exactly in shape, but
having no tooth at the apex of the anterior tibiae. I have much
pleasiu-e in naming this species, B. karwoodi, in honour of my friend,
Mr. P. Harwood, who did so much for the Berks Coimty List of
Coleoptern, when resident at Newbury.
The following is a short description of the species : —
In general appearance very like R. uncinatus ; bhie, thorax with a sliglit
greenish tinge, legs and antennae blue-black ; rostrum rather long and slender,
longer in 9 than <? ; thorax longer than broad, distinctly rounded at the sides,
closely but rather variably pvmctured ; elytra mvich broader than thorax,
widened behind middle, strise strongly punctui-ed, interstices very narrow and
somewhat rugose ; apex of anterior tibia3 simple ; S , apex of middle and pos-
terior tibiffi with a small tooth. Long., 3 — 4 mm.
-B. harwoodi differs from B. tmciriahis in having no tooth at the
apex of the anterior tibiae ; the rostrum is longer, and so appears to
be more slender, in both sexes (in the ? B. nncinatus it is not, or
scarcely, longer than in the ^ B. Jianvoodi) ; the thorax is more
greenish in colour and is generally more rounded at the sides, l)ut
the punctuation and depth of the central furrow is variable in both
species ; the elytra are, on the average, slightly broader, the striae
are more strongly punctured, and the interstices distinctly narrower.
From B. ■nanus it is easily distinguished by its bluer colour, broader
and shorter form, much longer and more slender rostrum, more closely
punctured, and more rounded sides of thorax, and average larger
size. The median lobe of the a3deagvis is not quite so parallel- sided
as in B. uncinatus or B. nanus, and is narrower at the apex ; the cap-
piece is a little broader than in B. uncinatus, and has slightly longer
hairs at the apex ; in B. nanus this structure is quite narrow, with
much shorter hairs. All the sjjecimens I have seen of B. harwoodi
were taken in this neighbourhood, in Berks and Hants, and I believe
it is common here. It is probably a widely distributed insect.
Bradfield, Berks :
November, 1911.
1911.] 271
COLEOPTERA IN HEREFOEDSHIKE (IV).
KY J. R. LE B. TOMLIN, M.A., F.E.S.
My last series of notes oil collectiii<^- in this county appeared in the
" Ent. Mo. Mag-.," 1910, pp. 1 39-141 . The list that follows is the result
of several forays at diffei-ent times of year, and a fair amount of fresh
ground has been explored. I published a note in the " Entom. Record,"
1910, p. 189, recording 13 species of myrniecophilous beetles from nests
of Formica rufa at Syinond's Yat. These were all new to Herefordshire.
The matter of political boundaries in the Symond's Yat neighbourhood
is rather complicated, and, without an ordnance map, bewildering.
You get out of the train in Gloucestershire, but cross into Herefordshire
to post a letter some 50 yards away ; the opposite bank of the river,
with the big limestone masses of the Grreat and Little Dowards (almost
the only limestone in Herefordshire) , is part of the latter county for
some two miles in the Monmouth direction, whereas the left bank
belongs to Gloucester from the station do^Tiwards.
The following species are all new to the county list. I would call
special attention to the occurrence of Bembidium adustum, Schaum.
The loeaUties Cusop and Olchon are used to designate Ijriefly two small
valleys running up into the Black Mountains. The species recorded as
from River Monnow, were all collected on the bank of that river
between Pontrilas and a point about a mile from Pandy. The total
number of species now on record is well over 1,300. I am much
indebted to Mr. Elliman for looking over a number of Homalota.
Carabus catenidatus, Scop., Cusop in August ; C. violaceus, L., and 0. monilis,
F., botli rare on Huntsham Hill ; Chlsenius vestitus, Pk., common at Huntsliam
Pool and at Wliitbourne ; Pterostichus minor, Gyll., Mathon, rare in wet moss ;
Amara fulva, de G., sandy spots by the Monnow, rare ; A. communis, Pz., Col wall
and River Monnow ; Bembidium bruxellense, Wesm., River Monnow, taken by
Mr. Dutton ; B. paludosum, Pz., common in August by the River Temc at
Whitboui-ne, River Monnow in two or three spots ; B. adustum, Schaum, not at
all uncommon at Whitbourne with B. paludosum.
Haliplus obliquus, F., Mordiford, Colwall, and Whitbom-ne, but never
common; Deronectes latus, Steph., one in the Monnow at Pontrilas (August);
Hydroporus gyllenhali, Schiodte, Holme Lacy, rare ; H. septenirionalis, Gyll.,
common in August in the Momiow and the Dvilas : Dytiscus pimctulatus, F.,
Westhide and Olchon valley, rare ; D. marginalis, Ij., not at all common, Ham
Green, Pontrilas ; Laccobius ahitaceus, Th., widely distributed ; L. bipunctatus,
F., Colwall and West Malvern, never common.
Ochthebius pygmxus, F., fairly common ; 0. bicolon. Germ., West Malvern ;
0. rufimarginalus, Stepli., scarce at Cusop and Kilpeck ; 0. uaims, Stejjh.,
Y 2
272 [December,
Mathon, rare ; Cercyon uaipuncldtus, L., Seager Hill and at the Leech Pool,
scarce ; 0. terminatus, Marsh., in several localities.
Aleochara tristis, Gr., very common on Seager Hill in August in horsediing;
A. hrevipennis, Gr., River Monnow, rare at roots of grass in damp ground;
Microglossa nidicola, Fairm., Mathon sandpits, common ; Oxypoda nigrina, Wat.,
West Malvern by sweeping ; 0. umhrata, Gyll., not uncommonly swept ;
Ischnoglossa corticina, Er., Seager Hill, several; Ocalea badia, Er., sparingly
in wet moss at Cusop : Homalota currax, Kr., Cusop and Ewias Harold, common,
and has occurred near West Malvern ; H. pavens, Er., common at Ciisop, Mathon,
and Ewias Harold ; H. camhrica, Well., Whitbourne, West Malvern (swept) ;
H. hygrotopora, Kr., by the Dulas, rare ; H. ohlongiuscula. Sharp, one with the
last ; H. graminicola, Gr., apparently very local ; H. monticola, Th., rare, single
examples at Colwall and on Seager Hill ; H. sequata, Er., common ; H. angustula,
Gyll., by the Devereux Pools, rare ; H. exilis, Er., common in a mole's nest near
West Malvern (March) ; H. aquatica, Th., Seager Hill, Cusop, and Whitbourne;
H. seneicollis, Sharp, Ledbury ; H. fimgicola, Th., common in fungi ; H. sericea,
Muls., if. atricolor, Sharp, common ; H. gennana, Sharp, Seager Hill, several in
rotten beech- wood ; H". sordidula, Er., one swept at West Malvern ; H. canescens.
Sharp, one swept on Seager Hill ; H. atramenUiria, Gyll., Cusop (Dutton) ; H.
laticollis, Steph., Seager Hill, swept rarely ; Ischnopoda ccerulea, Sahib., rare in
wet moss. River Monnow, Olchon valley ; Tachyusa scitula, Er., Whitboiu-ne,
rare by the Teme ; T. flavitarsis, Sahib., common by the River Monnow ; T. um-
hratica, Er., rare at Whitbourne and Ewias Harold, common in damp ground by
the Monnow ; Falagria sulcatula, Gr., rare in shingle by the Monnow ; Gyrophsena
affinis, Mann., Mathon and Cusop ; G. minima, Er., Rowburrow Wood, rare ;
Agaricochara Isevicollis, Kr., not uncommon in fungi ; Placusa pumilio, Gr., rare
at Colwall under elm bark; Bolitochara lucida, Gr., widely distributed and
common ; Oligota apicata, Er., one swept on Seager Hill ; Coiwsoma littoreimi, L.,
has occurred rarely in a garden at West Malvern and in fungus on Seager Hill ;
Euryporus picipes, Pk., Cusop, rare in moss ; Qtiedius lateralis, Gr., Seager Hill,
rare ; Q. cruentus, 01., Stoke Edith and Colwall in fungi ; Q. molochinus, Gr.,
common ; Q. umbrinus, Er., Cusojd in moss, very common ; Philonthus scutatus,
Er., occurs sparingly on sandy ])anks by the River Monnow, this is possibly its
most southern locality ; P. cephalotes, Gr., one in carrion, Symond's Yat ; P. debilis,
Gr., River Monnow and at Mathon; P. agilis, Gr., Seager Hill, not rare; P.
ventralis, Gr., Mathon in hay, Seager Hill in dung ; P. micans, Gr., damp ground
in several localities ; P. fulvipes, F., abundant in shingle by the Monnow and
Dulas ; Actohius signaticornis, Mvils., by the Monnow and the Dulas ; A. proce-
rulus, Gr., rare in shingle by the Monnow, close to Llangua ; Stilicus geniculatus,
Er., Olchon valley (Dutton) ; Scopseus sulcicollis, Steph., very rare, Mathon
sandpits and Whitbourne ; Lithocharis ochracea, Gr., West Malvern and Mathon ;
Stenus crassus, Steph., one at Kilpeck ; S. latifrons, Er., Cusop, Leech Pool, and
by the Monnow (Dutton) ; Ancyrophorus omalinus, Er., Ewias Harold, Olchon,
River Monnow, and on floating wood with Macronychus at Whitbovii-ne ; Trogo-
phloeus arcnaUis, Steph., in wet moss liy the Momiow, Cusop, and Olchon dingles ;
Lesteva sicula, Er., Cusop (Dutton) ; Homalnim septentrionis, Th., single examples
li'u-] 273
at Matlion and Cusop by sweeping; Hapaldram p\jijm:K<i, Tli., Sea^^er Hill,
several times in rotten beech wood ; Eusphalcrum prinudx, Steph., Great Doward,
common in inainroses ; Mdjarthrus dcnticoUis, Beck., Colwall, Lcdbm-y, and West
Malvern ; M. sinuatocollis, Lac, Stoke Edith, SeagerHill, Bromyard; Phlwobium
clypeatum, MiilL, generally distributed ; Pse^ldopsis sulcata, Newm., Mathon, very
rare in hay.
Clamhus punctulum. Beck, West Malvern and Devereux Pools ; Colon
dcntipes, Sahib., one swept at West Malvern ; Ncuraphes rubicundus, Schaiim, one
swci^t at West Malvoi"n ; ScydmieMis exilis, Er., Seager Hill, not uncommon by
sifting rotten beech wood ; Euthia scydmxnoides, Steph., R. Monnow and West
Malvern, by sweeping ; Bibloporus bicolor, Denny, Seager Hill, common with
Scydm. exilis ; Enplectus signatus, Reich., West Malvern, in hotbeds ; E. namis,
Reich., with Bibloporus and Scydm. exilis, rare; E. piceus, Mots., Seager Hill and
West Malvex-n, not rare ; Ptenidium intermedium. Wank., R. Monnow, in shingle ;
P. brisouti, Matth., not uncommon on mud at Whitbourne and Ewias Harold :
I am indebted to Mr. Britten for naming these two species ; A^iatis ocellata, L.,
on larch at Westhide (Wood) ; Coccinella 11-punctata, L., Cusop and Mathon,
not common ; Scymnus redtenbaclieri, Muls., one swept on the Great Doward ; S.
capitatus, F., widely distributed on oak ; Cerylon histeroides, F., common ; C. fagi,
Bris., Seager Hill, scarce in rotten beech v.-ood ; Hister unicolor, L., West Malvern
and Bromyard ; H. carbonarius, 111., Seager Hill in diing; H. 12-striatus, Schr.,
one with the last; Micropeplus staphylinoides. Marsh., Colwall, Stoke Edith,
West Malvern, and Seager Hill (much commoner than M. margaritse) ; Rhizo-
phagus pcrforatus, Er., Seager Hill under oak bark; R. ferrugineus, Pk., Stoke
Edith, rare ; Monotoma spinicollis, Aube, West Malvern, one in a hotbed ; Enicmus
testaceus, Steph., Seager Hill (one) ; Corticaria pubescens, Gyll., Mathon, common
in haystacks ; Cryptophagus validus, Kr. There seems no doubt that the speci-
mens recorded in " Ent. Mo. Mag.," 1909, p. 57, as C. subfmnaius, Kr., are really
C. validus, Kr. I have to thank Mr. Edw. Waterhouse for calling my attention
to this. The species still occurs every winter in the apple-room in numbers,
Ephistemus globosus, Waltl, a single example by the Monnow ; Triphyllus pwnc-
tatus, F., and T suturalis, F., widely distributed ; Byrrlms fasciatus, ¥., West
Malvern in moss ; Aspidip>horus orbiculatus, Gyll., Coddington, Stoke Edith, and
Seager Hill ; Elmis parallelopipedus, MiilL, Whitbourne, River Monnow, Kerne
Bridge ; Parnus ernesti, Ganglb., River Monnow, not common ; P. luridus, Er.,
West Malvern and Holme Lacy, common; Heteroccrus marginatus, F., widely
distributed and common.
Reading :
November 2nd, 1911.
274 [December,
NOTES ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF LONGITARSUS, Late.
(A GENUS OF COLEOPTERA).
BY J. R. LE B. TOMLIV, M.A., F.E.S., AND W. E. SHARP, F.E.S.
(Continued from p. 248).
L. /u"fyt'r,Koch, lias had, since 1864 (Eut. Annual, p. 82) and Crotch's
first catalogue, a place in our lists. Its occurrence in this country,
however, certainly requires confirination (see Fowler's Brit. Col. IV,
339), such specimens as we have been able to examine, standing over
that name in various collections, being a large black form of L. luridus,
Scop. The L. niijer of Koch is a very different insect, elongate and
distinctly acuminate, with testaceoiis-red unicolorous legs, and resembles
closely a very large L. anchnsie.
Sect. II. — Species black, with distinct testaceous or reddish marking-s.
1. Elytra with apex distinctly reddish-yellow L. holsaticus, L.
2. Elytra (in normal form) with iowv reddish-yellow spots — two at apex, one
on each shoulder L. quadriguttatus, Pont.
3. Elytra with a distinct reddish-yellow mai'oj'inal band L. dorsalis, F.
Their characteristic coloration and comparative invariability render
the members of this group probably the most easily recognized in the
genus.
L. HOLSATICUS, L. [Syst. Nat., Ed. x, 1758, p. 373] ; Fab. [Ent.
Syst. I, 2, p. 33. 101].
Oval, rather short, shining, black, witli a large and distinct testaceous spot
at apex of elytra. Antennae stout and rather long, first three joints yellow,
remainder black. Thorax transverse, convex, distinctly margined, very vari-
able in punctuation, sometimes alutaceous with punctiuvs scattered and few in
number or almost obsolete, sometimes deeply and closely punctured with
smooth interspaces. Elytra: pimctuation confused, very coarse and distinct,
showing but little variation ; apical angles slightly rounded. Legs : fuscous,
lighter or darker, posterior femora and usually posterior tibias also black.
Underside black. Winged.
Food plant. — Pedicularis palustrls (Bedel and Weise).
Locally common on lousewort, near Carlisle (F. H. Day). Foudras
gives Equisetum as the food plant of this species, but Bedel, com-
menting, says that this author may have confused the insect with
Hipjmriphila modeeri.
Range. — General throughout Great Britain and Ireland.
No British varietal form is known, although the size and intensity
of the apical spot varies considerably.
1911.1 275
L. c^tJADRiauTTATtrs, Pontopp. [Nat. Dan. p. 203, 1765].
Sjn.s. qundri/imstidatus, Fab. [Syst. Eiit. p. 114].
qnadrimaculatus, Kocli [E. H. 2, p. 128].
ci/nogWsi, Marsh. [Eut. Brit. p. 205].
Ovate, much narrower in <? than in ? , shining, black, with (in type form)
two testaceous red spots on each elytron — one at shoulder — and one on margin
above the apex. There is a complete gradation from this fully spotted form to
iinicolorous black, some specimens having the Inimeral, some the apical, and
othei-s all four spots, almost or quite effaced. Autennje : stout and long, con-
siderably longer in S than in ? ; first fom- joints yellow, remainder black.
Thorax : transverse, very convex, distinctly bordered, varying to some extent, but
not so greatly as in the preceding species, in character of pvmctuation, wliich
is xisually rather fine and remote, the intervals always alutaceous. Elytra :
punctuation confused, fine and close, very different from that of L. holsatimis ;
apices slightly roiinded. Legs : testaceous, with last two joints of tarsi fuscous,
and posterior femora always black. Underside black. Winged.
Food plant. — Cynoglossum. officinale.
Rare in Britain, altliouL>-li abundant where it occurs. Apparently
confined to the south of England. (Haliday's record from " near
Belfast" appears to need confirmation).
Vars. — Weise has given the names " hinotatus " and " immaculatus,'"
respectively, to the two- spotted and vmspotted form of this species, and
also mentions a variety which he calls vittatws, but this form has
not, so far, come under our observation in this country.
L. DORSALis, F. [Syst. Eleuth. I. p. 465. 78] ; Oliv. [Enc. meth. IV.
p. 109. 31] ; Steph. [Man. p. 298].
Oblong ovate, depressed. The most distinct and definite in colour of all
our species. Head black ; thorax reddish testaceous ; elytra black, with a
broad uniform testaceous marginal band from shoulder to apex. i\jitenna3
rather short, stout, entii-ely black. Thorax transverse, bordered at sides,
alutaceous, very finely and remotely piinctured. Elytra also distinctly aluta-
ceous, with punctuation confused, close and moderately strong ; apices rounded.
Legs usually entirely black, occasionally more or less pitchy or ferruginous.
Underside black. Winged.
Food plants. — Senecio jacohxie and S. vulgarh (Fowler) ; *S'. eruci-
f alius (Foudras) ; S. erucifolius and ;S'. vulgaris (peut-etre aussi sur
r Erigeron ranadense) (Bedel).
Not common, and confined apparently to the southern half of
England.
This appears to be one of the very few species of LongitarsHs
in which no variation is known.
(To be co7itinuecl) .
276 [December,
A71 unrecorded va^-iety of Bryaxis impressa, Panz. — I recently had some
specimens of a Bryaxis sent me by a correspondent in Cheshire for determination.
He refen-ed them doubtfully to B.juncorum, but at the same time he had noted
the different puncturation of the thorax, &c. I went into the matter for him,
and found them to be B. impressa. The difference was mainly that of colour,
due perhaps to immaturity, the specimens differing- from typical impressa in
being imi/orm reddish testaceous ; but as they puzzled my friend, myself, and
several other exi)erienced coleopterists, I venture to propose the varietal name
unicolor for this form. I took it rather freely at Yarnton, Oxon, in August, 1908,
Imt )nixed it up with B. juncorum until a short time ago.
I cannot find any mention in our literature of a variety answering the
above description, so I thought perhaps it would be advisable to bring it to the
notice of other entomologists. — J. Collins, Oxford: November, 1911.
A note 071 Liodes brunnea, Sturm. — When writing my note on L. brunnea,
Sturm, I was quite aware of the discrepancy between the description of Sturm's
insect and my description of L. brunnea, pointed oiit by Mr. Donisthorpe {I.e.,
p. 256). But as I considered " strong " and " fine," as applied to the punctua-
tion of the strite of the elytra, mere comparative terms, I did not feel justified
in giving this form a new name, but preferred to follow such authorities as Rye
and Fleischer. As to Mr. Donisthorpe's specimen of supposed L. algirica. Rye,
I must again remind him that, when I sent four examples of exactly the same
form from the same locality as his specimen to Dr. Fleischer for identification,
he returned them as L. dubial — Norman H. Jot, Bradfield, Berks: Nov. 1th,
1911.
Gnorimus nobilis, L., i\'c., in Epping Forest. — The captiire of a specimen of
this conspicuous and scarce Lamellicorn in Epping Forest may be of sufficient
interest to place upon record. It Avas taken on the wing by my friend, Mr. Roland
T. Smith, of Stoke Newington, in August, 1909. Another individual, presumably
of the same species, was seen flying at the same time, but escaped.
A moi'e recent capture of Mr. Smith's in the Forest, which he has just shown
me, may, I think, also be of some interest; this is an example of Epursea angus-
tula, Er., which he found under beech bark on October 29th last. This species
has, however, already been recorded from the Forest by Mr. C. J. C. Pool, who
beat a specimen oxit of an oak bough in September, 1907 (Ent. Rec, 1907, p. 297).
— F. B. Jennings, 152, Silver Street, Upper Edmonton, N. ; November ith, 1911.
Note on the Hylobiid genera Dysmachus, Kirsch, and Irenarchns, Pascoe. — The
genera Dysmachus, Kirsch (1869), and Irenarchus, Pascoe (1881), were each
based upon a single species of large size from Colombia, the former upon D.
plinthoides, Kirsch, and the latter upon Heilipus fossilis, J. Thomson (1859).
These insects are synonymous, and therefore Kirsch's generic name has priority ;
it is, however, preoccixpied in Dipt era (Loew, 1860) and cannot be used. The
species, therefore, will have to bear the name Irenarchus fossilis. 1 am indebted
to Dr. Heller for an authentically named example ( <J ) of Kirsch's 1). plinthoides,
isii.] 277
which ag^roes with Pascoc's I./ossilis (a ? ), except that tlic nostrum is shorter,
as is often the case in the males of the allied forms. — G. C. Champion, Horsell,
Woking: Novemher, 1911.
New Scottish forms of Erehia sethiops, Esp., Satyrus scinele, L., and I'arargc
megsera, L. — In the Bulletin of the Entomological Society of France, 1911,
(No. 15, Seance dii 11 Octobre, 1911), pp. 311 — 314, Scottish forms of these
well known species are described by M. Eoger Verity : —
" E. aethiops, Esp., race Caledonia, nova. — Se distingue bien de la race alpine
par sa taille toujoiirs moindre (envergure : 35-12 mill., tandis que celle du type
varie entre 40 at 45 mill.), par ses ailes bien plus etroites et allongees, avec les
angles plus aigus et le contour du limbe plus di'oit ; la bande fauve est ctroite
et ne contient jamais plus de trois petits ocelles, tandis que chez la race alpine
elle ne contient souvent quatre ou cinq, surtovit chez la ? ; eufin les bandes du
revers des posterietu'es sont assez frequemment peu distinctes.
Habitat : La serie typique de ma collection, que je decris, est de Galashiels
(Ecosse). Dans d'autres regions ecossaises volent des formes de transition au
type alpin."
" S. semele, L., race scota, nova — Taille tres reduite (envergure : 45-50 mill.,
au lieu de 48-60 mill.) ; dessins fauves plutot etendus, mais tres pales, presque
jaunes ; revers des posterieures extremement obscurs et sans bande blanche
transversale ; la mai-brure est d'un noii* profond et extremement abondante, ce
qui donne a I'aile un aspect completement different de celui du type.
Habitat : Ecosse septentrionale. Types : coll. Verity."
" P. megsera, L., race Caledonia, nova. — Cette race differe nettement de celles
de toiites les autres regions par I'ampleur et I'intensite de tous les dessins
noirs ; la bande marginale est tres large, la bande androconienne du <J Test
aussi et la strie qui s'en detache exterieui'ement va se fondre avec la bande
marginale ; la base des posterieures est entierement noircie ; siu- le revers des
anterieiires les stries noii-es sont tres marquees ; sur les posterieures tout le
dessin est tres net et obscur, et le fond gris est richement sable d'e'cailles
obsciu'es, surtout vers le milieu entre les deux stries.
Habitat: Mes types sont de la cote septentrionale de I'Ecosse." — ^Eds.
Gracilaria syringella, F., mining in Phillyrea media, L.— The larvae of this
very common Tineid moth are usually abundant in our gardens, where they
mine the leaves of lilac, making in them large brown blotches. The mines
may also frequently be found in the leaves of privet and ash. Here, in our
garden, at Chiswick, the larvee occiu* commonly on all three plants, and in 1909
I noticed that they appeared to have attacked the leaves of an evei'greeu tree
which I had previously taken for an evergi-een oak. In the early summer of
1910, I found on the loaves of this tree several batches of eggs of G. syringella.
Later on I gathered some mines, and in July bred eleven moths. Recently,
through the kindness of the Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the
evei'green in question has been identified as Phillyrea media, L. This is a
278 (December,
South European plant, and belongs to the Olcaccv, to which Order the other
three food-plants mentioned also belong-. Though, doubtless, in Soiithern
Europe, the species of rhillyrea are often attacked by the larvu) of this moth,
I do not find any such observation recorded in any of the Continental faiinal
lists I possess.^ALFKED SiCH, Corney House, Chiswick .- November 10th, 1911,
Notes on Oxford Heniiptera. — Last August, at Cothill, near Abingdon, I was
fortunate enough to take a nice lot of Scoloxiostethus pictus, Scliill., in some rot-
ting clover at the bottom of a stack. They had evidently lired in this refuse,
as the larva) were also present in numbers. The mature specimens were all
of the usual macropterous form. Dimng the same month I fovind a specimen of
Aphclochcirus lestivalis, F., amongst Potamogeton dragged out of the River
Chorwell. Although on several subsequent occasions I kept a sharp look out,
I did not see any more. The Oxford records for this species, by the Rev. F. W.
Hope and Prof. Westwood, are very old, one of them dating as far back as 1832,
the other still further back. While with Commander Walker on Aug. 26th at
Enslow Bridge, Oxon, I took a specimen of Drymus pilicornis, M. et Rey, in
some aquatic refuse on the canal bank, near its junction with the River Cher-
well. Another noteworthy capture was that of two macropterous specimens of
Piczostethus ciirsitans. Fall., luider oak bark at Wytham Park on October 1st,
1911, with plenty of the much commoner brachypterous form. — J. Collins,
Oxford: November, 1911.
Ifiuica^s.
The Genitalia of the Group Noctuid^ of the Lepidoptera of the
British Islands. By F. N. Pierce, P.E.S. Liverpool: C. W. Duncan.
We regret that by an oversight no notice of this important work has
hei'etofore appeared in our columns. For the sake of those readers to whom its
fame has not in the meantime i-eached, we take the opportunity afforded by the
promise of a companion volume on the Geometridae from the same pen, briefly to
call attention to it. Mr. Pierce is one of the pioneers in a branch of anatomical
research, of whicli the full value and significance has only just come to be
appreciated, and his book embodies the researches of 20 years. The author has
wisely abstained from proposing a re-classification based on a single character,
and has contented himself with describing and figuring the genitalia of the
several species, and occasionally calling attention to the more obvious relation-
ships or more glaring defects of our present groupings. In a word, Mr. Pierce
provides the data, and leaves it to future systematists to turn them to account.
The book should be in the hands of all serious workers.
Our Insect Friends and Foes. By P. Martin .Duncan, F.R.P.S.
London : Methuon & Co., Ltd., 36, Essex Street, Strand. 1911.
In this well got-up little book of 296 pages, the author gives an account in
1011.] 279
simple and popular langniai^e of various aspects of insect life, especially of such
as directly or indirectly affect the human race. In this relation, the last chapter,
a brief bvit able sketch of the splendid series of modern researches that have
established the direct connection of insects with the propagation of disease, and
have furnished ixs with the means of successfully combating the most formidable
maladies of tropical regions, will be read vvith special interest. The ravages of
insects on our cultivated and useful plants, and the beneficial part played by
others in reducing the numbers of these injuriovis forms, as well as the mutual
interdependence of plants and insects, are discussed in pleasing style ; and a
resume of the fascinating qtiestions of Mimicry and Protective Eesemblance in
Insects forms, under the somewhat bizarre title of " Insect Actors," the subject
of Chapter IV. The illustrations, from photographs by the author, are adequate
and well executed, and the book as a whole can be confidently recommended to
those who desire to know something of the economic side of Entomology.
Sevex'al rather ciu'ious misprints in the scientific names of the insects allvided
to in the work will, we hope, be corrected in a future edition.
€)bituaii|j.
Samuel Uuhhard Scudder. — This distinguished American Entomologist died
May 17th, 1911, aged 74 years. He was born at Boston, Mass., on April 13th,
1837, and lived at Cambridge, in the same State. He was educated at Williams
College, and received honorary degrees from Harvard and the University of
Pittsburgh. From 1864 — 1870 he was custodian of the Boston Society of
Natural History, and from 1879-1882, Assistant Librarian at Hai-vard University.
From 1886-1892 he held the office of Palajontologist to the U.S. Geological
Siu'vey ; in 1875 he served as General Secretary to the American Association
for the Advancement of Science, and in 1894 was a Vice-President of that body.
For several years he edited " Psyche " and " Science." His works on " Orthop-
tera and Diurnal Lepidoptera," the " Tertiary Insects of North America," &c.,
are well known to all Entomologists. In 1895 he was elected an Honorary
Fellow of the Entomological Society of London. "We glean most of the above
particulars from the "Entomological News" for July, 1911, in which a full
account of his very valuable contributions to oixr Science is to be found, accom-
panied by a portrait.
^oci^ticj).
Yorkshire Naturalists' Union, Entomological Section. — The Annual
Meetings (two) and Exhibition of Specimens of the Entomological Section of the
Yorkshire Naturalists' Union were held in the Leeds Institute, Leeds, on
October 2Hth last. Mr. Arthur Whitaker, President of the Section, in the
Chair.
280 [December,
Reports on tho work done diirini;- th<3 year were read Ity the Secretaries of
the Coiuniittees of the various Orders ; the most interesting items in that on the
Lepido2)iera, being the occm-rence, after several years absence, of a few Xajithia
aurago among sycamores in the Skelmanthorpe (Huddersfield) district ; the
capture of several specimens of a unicolorous brown variety of Hybcniia
aurantiaria, the thorax only being of the usual yellow colour (a parallel form
to var. ./"uscaia of Hyheniia progemmaria) ; and a black Hybcrnia dcfoliaria at
Skelmanthorpe by Mr. B. Morley ; Acherontia atropos at Barnsley and near
Wakefield by Messrs. Whitaker and Hooper respectively ; Deilephila livornica
at Normanton by Mr. Lodge, who had also found larva3 of Gortyna fiavago feed-
ing freely in Petasitis stems, a very unusual food-plant. Larvae of Dasypolia
icmpli had been abimdant in Hcraclcum sphondylium in the Huddersfield district,
and the moths plentiful at lamps in many parts of the South- West Riding.
The report of the Coleoptcra Committee, read by Dr. H. H. Corbett, stated
that beetles had been scarce, both in numbers and species. Particularly Avas
this the case with the Phytophaga. Notwithstanding this general scarcity,
several interesting records had been made, and about a dozen species added to
the county list. Among the more important of these wei-e : — Miscodera arctica,
Blethisa nmUipunctata, Anchomcnus micans, *Bcnibidium bipunctatum, Bembidium
lunatum, *Hydroporus longulus, *Hydrochus angustatus, Ocypus fuscatus, Hypo-
cyptus Iseviusculus, Leptacinus formicetorum, *8tenus nitens, Homalium puncti-
pcnnc, *Acrulia inflata, *8ilpha dispar, Gnathoncus nannetensis, *Lxmophloeus
2msillus, *Psammcechus bipunctatiis, *Monotoma spinicollis, Mycetophagus picc^is,
Mcgatoma undata, Enne.arthron cornutum, *Bruchus sp ?, *Clytus arcuatus,
*Saperdacarcharias,Hedohiaimperialis, Exomias araneiformis, Alophtis triguttatus,
Limobius dissimilis, and Myelophilus piniperda. Those marked * are additions
to the Yorkshire list. The report on the Hymenoptera, read by Mr. W. Denison
Roebuck, announced some twenty-eight additions to the county list, named
specimens of all of wliich were exhibited. The report on Neuroptera and Tricho-
ptera was read by Mr. JPorritt. The exhibits included a fine range of variation
in the two species, Polia chi and Amphidasys betularia, which by previous cir-
cular invitation had been made a special feature of the meeting, and to which
many of the members had responded. Other exhibits were a specimen of the
black form of Acronycta menyanthidis from the Penistone moors, near Hvidders-
field, a purple form of Selenia lunarla from Skelmanthorpe, and a series of the
various forms of Luperina gncneei from St. Anne's-on-Sea by Mr. H. Dyson.
Mr. G. T. Porritt also exhibited a series of the foi-ms of Luperina gueneei from
St. Anue's-on-Sea, several Xanthia ocellaris taken in the Thames valley in
September last, and a very fine black and white form of Boarmia repandata, var.
conversaria, from Fairbourne, near Barmouth. Mr. B. Morley, a beautiful and
extraordinary variety of Melanippe fluctuata, captiared at Skelmanthorpe. Mr.
W. Hewett, a var. of Zygmna filipendulie from York. Mr. Hooper, a nice series
of the black and white Cidaria suffumata, var. porrittii, from Middlestown, near
Wakefield. Mr. James Lee, a beautiful series of Abraxas grossulariata, including
vars. varleyata, subviolacea, and other fine forms, bred from Huddersfield larvae
this year. Mr. J. Wriglit also showed Hviddersfield grossulariata, including var.
ion.] 281
hnzclei(jhcnsis ; ;ind Mr. J. W. ]5oiiltbr<)ii^-]it;i selection of the same speeies fi-om
Hiill. Professor Garstang showed a case of many species in illustration of pro-
tective assimilation. Dr. H. H. Corbett, Dr. Fordham, Messrs. E. U. Bayford,
M. L. Thompson, and Morse, all showed interesting Coleoptera, including many
of tlie species mentioned in the report. Dr. Corbett and others also showed
Ortlioptera ; and in Neuroptera, Mr. Porritt showed specimens of Nemoura
duhitans, recently new to Britain, discovered by Colonel Nurse at West Stow,
Suffolk.
Four i^apers were read at the evening meeting :— " On the variation of
Polia chi," by Mr. B. Morley ; " On Amphidasys betularia in connection with
Melanism," by Mr. T. A. Lofthouse ; " Notes on collecting Hemiptera,"
communicated by Mr. E. A. Butler; "The Ichneumonidx," communicated liy
Mr. Claude Morley.
The meetings were very largely attended. Entomologists from apparently
almost every part of the county being present. — G. T. P.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, Odoher 12th, 1911.— Mr. W.J. Kaye, F.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. H. E. Sweeting, M.A., of S. Woodford, was elected a member.
Mr. W. J. Kaye exhibited bred and captured series of Lithosia deplana, in
which some of the former were much darker than usual. Mr. Barrett, three
series of the same species, one taken many years ago, one in 1909, and one this
year ; the 1909 were generally darker in colovu', but not so dark as Mr. Kaye's
bred examples, although several specimens were without the yellow costa of the
fore-wings ; also {i Xylinafurci/era (confortnis) , taken in 1904 in the East of Eng-
land, and an example bred in S. Wales in 1876 by Evan John. The latter was var.
suffusa, Tutt. Mr. Sich, specimens of Gracilaria syringella bred from Phillyrea
media, a food-plant not hitherto recorded. Mr. E. Adkin, an example of Tortrix
podana, bi-ed on September 13th from a pupa taken in a shoot of Euonymus at
Eastboiu'iie, and reported that the Eev. W. Claxton had reared several specimens
in mid- September. Mr. B. H. Smith, a specimen of Sterrha sacraria ? , taken by
him recently near the Lizard, and a Rumicia phlmas, with right fore-wing ab.
schviidtii. Mr. Dods, the huge cocoons of Philosamia cecropia, all of which had
become dark brown in colour except one, which was pure white. Mr. Main
said that the grub shown in the "Coquillo" nut, exhibited at last meet-
ing was that of the large Bruchid, Caryoborus nuctuorum, a native of Brazil.
Mr. Blair, specimens of Boreus hiemalis from Stanmore Common, in Essex.
Mr. Blenkarn, many species of Coleoptera taken by him du.ring the season,
including Clytus arietis, Cicindeia sylvatica, Dytiscus marginalis, Aromia moschata,
&c. Mr. Adkin and others gave tlieir experiences of the season.
Thursday, October 26th, 1911.— The President in the Chair.
The Eev. George Wheeler, M.A., F.Z.S., P.E.S., and Mr. H. B. Wells were
elected Members.
282 [December,
Mr. Sieh exhibited LithoroUetis hortella ;iiid L. sylvclla, and noted their
specific characters and ni;irkin,y's. Mr. Russell, a Phryxiis livornica from Piirley,
three autumn-bred specimens of Diacrisia sanio (russula) from Grange-over-
Sands, and recorded a Bitliys quercils, taken on September 1st. Mr. E-. Adkin, a
series of Eupithecia suhfulvata, bred from ova laid by a ? taken at Chiswick.
Mr. Moore, a large Cicada taken on a window at Wanstead, and read notes on a
Silphid beetle, from the Orange River Colony, which in life bore an abundant
waxy seci'etion on its elytra. Mr. Sheldon, a long and fine series of Colias nastes,
var. iverdandi, taken by him in Lapland. Mr. Newman, a long and varied series
of bred Amorpha populi, with three second-brood examples. Mr. Blair, living <?
and $ specimens of the " stick " insect, known as Dixippus morosus, and
imagines of the rare Neuropterous insect, Boreus hyemalis. Mr. Baumann, a fine
melanic form of Acidalia virgularia from Lewisham. Mr. Curwen, series of
Colias palieno, C. phicomone, C. hyale, and C. edusa from the Swiss Alps, and also
melanic forms of Cidaria immanata, Hypsipetes sordidata, and Mania maura.
Mr. Blenkarn, examples of three species of Coleoptera recently recognised as
British, viz., Haliplus heydeni, H. inimaculatiis,Mi(\ Gabrlus stipes, from the Cots-
wolds, Lowestoft, and Beekenham respectively. Mr. Bvickstone, a very remark-
able Brenthis sclene from Wanborotigh, with almost all the usual markings
absent on the uppersidc. — Ht. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, October ISth, 1911. — The
Rev. F. D. MoRiCE, M.A., President, in the Chair.
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society : — Mr. Sidney
Howard Cotton, 1a, Chesterfield Street, Mayfair; Captain J. J. Jacobs, R.E., 2,
Southport Street, Gibraltar ; Mr. Kuuui Khunan, M.A., Assistant Entomologist
to the Govermnent of Mysore, Bangalore, South India ; Dr. Ivan Clarkson
Maclean, M.D., B.Sc, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., 28, Hill Street, Knightsbridge, S.W. ;
Mr. Frank Taylor, The Technological Musemn, Sydney, New South Wales.
Dr. F. A. Dixey exhibited a pair of each of the following species — Tachyris
melania, Fabr., T. celestina and Catophaga ega, Boisd., and remarked that
Fabricius's type was preserved in the Banksian Cabinet, where it may still be
seen, and that Mr. G. A. Waterhouse liad now sent home sj)ecimens which are
undoubtedly of the species described by Fabricius and represented by Donovan,
which is not a Catophaga allied to ega or paulina, but a Tachyris belonging to
the group which contains T. celestina and T. nero. Mr. W. G. Sheldon, a living-
larva of Colias nastes, var. werdandi, which he had bred from an oviun deposited
by a ? captured at Abisko in Swedish Lapland ; the natural food-plant is
Astragalus alpinus, L., but in captivity the larva fed upon white clover. Mr. W.
J. Lucas, two specimens of Nemoptera bipennis, Illig. {lusitanica. Leach), taken
by Mr. A. H. Jones, one in the Cork woods at Almoraima, Spain, on May 5th,
1911, and the other at Linea, Gibraltar, on the 28th. Also a specimen of Lertha
harbara, Klug, taken by Mr. H. Powell at Aflou, Oran, Algeria, on June 30th,
1911. Mr. W. J. Liicas also, a large specimen of Sirex noctilio, taken by himself
at Leith Hill, Surrey, walking on the road, on September 8th, 1911. Mr. H. St.
1911.] 288
J. Donisthorpo, a si^pcios of Coleoptera new to Britain, Lcsteva Inctuosa, Fauvol,
whicli he had taken in moss in a waterfall on tlie hig'h ground in the Isle of
Eigg, near Mull, on Se2:)tenibor 17tli, I'JII. Mr. H. M. Edelsten showed some
bred specimens of Erastria vemistida ; the larva; had fed i-eadily on flowers of
Potentilla tormentilla, and on garden forms of Potentilla, strawl^erry, and bramltle
blossoms, and later on lettuce leaves, which they seemed to prefer. Tliey
pupated below the siirface of the ground in a strong cocoon. Mr. K. Gr. Blair,
a J and two 9 ? of a "stick-insect" {? Lonchodes sp.), whicli is usually par-
thenogenetic. Mr. C. O. Waterhouse said he had bred three generations of this
Phasmid and had had many hundreds of specimens, and he congratulated
Mr. Blair on having the only male he had ever seen or heard of. Dr. K. Jordan,
46 forms of Delias from tlirce mountain ranges of New Guinea. Whereas in
other districts of the Oriental Region at the most seven or eight species
(generally foiu- to six) may be found in any locality, a surprising number are
met with in tlie mountains of New Guinea from 3,000 to 4,000 feet upwards. In
suitable localities of the Owen Stanley Range no less than 24 species have
been obtained, of which 18 are confined to the higher altitudes. Brazilian
Sphingids. — The Kev. A. Miles Moss, the following Sphingids from Para: —
Amjihimoea walheri, Isognathus excelsior, Grainmodia caicus, with pupa spun up
in a leaf, Hemeroplanes inuus, Epistor gorgon, $ and 9 , Pholus phorhas, Xylo-
phanes nechus, with chrysalis, and A', cosmixis, ? , the first known specimen of this
sex.
The President mentioned tliat the University of Cambridge had decided to
apjjoint a Demonstrator in Medical Entomology.
Wednesday, November 1st, 1911. — The President in the Chair.
The President announced that the Council proposed Fr. Eric Wasmann, of
Walkenburg, Holland, as Honorary Fellow in the place of the late Herr P. C. T.
Snellen, of Rotterdam, and Prof. J. H. Comstock, of Cornell University, U.S.A.,
for the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. S. H. Scudder, of Cambridge.
Massachusetts, both of whom were then elected.
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society — Messrs. T.
J. Anderson, Teaninich, Craig Millar, Midlothian ; Edward Bernard Ashby, 33,
Park Road, Whitton, Middlesex; W. A. Lambourn, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., Omi
Camp, Lagos, W. Africa; J. Jackson Mounsey, 24, Glencairn Crescent, Edinburgh.
Dr. Nicholson showed a specimen of Aleochara discipennis, Muls. and
Rey, taken in the early part of this year from moss in a small wood at
Alj^hington, Devon. This species was introduced in 1907 by Mr. Champion
on the authority of specimens captured by the late Dr. Capron, and also by
Commander Walker in the Chatham district, and it has been recently taken
by Dr. Sharp in the New Forest. It appears to be rare on the Continent.
Mr. J. R. le B. Tomlin exhibited a teratological specimen of the rare beetle
Triarthron maerheli, swept in the Wellington College district this summer. It
has the two last joints of left antenna completely soldered together, making a
two-jointed instead of a three-jointed club. Also a specimen of Longitarsus
melanoeephalus (?) taken by Mr. J. Collins at Oxford, with legs and tarsi
284 [December, 1911.
i-emarkably thickened. Mr. W. J. Lucas, five si^ecimens, three S i ^^^ two ? 9
of Panorpa gennanica* taken by Col. Yerbiiry, four at Dingwall in May, and one
at Lockinver in July. One (J is practically immaculate, and the other two
nearly so ; the ? from Dingwall is sparsely spotted, while the one from
Lockinver is more nearly normal. Five normal specimens from
Surrey and Hants were shown for conqjarison. Mr. C. J. Grahan, a living
specimen of As2)ldomorpha silacea, Boli., an African species of Cassididm, which
had been sent by Mr. G. St. John Mildmay from Nyali in British East Africa on
October 7th, reaching London on October 28th. Dr. K. Jordan annoimced that
the Polyctenidse, which are parasitic on bats in the tropics, are viviparous like
the parasitic Orthopteron Hemimerus. The yoimg are born at a very advanced
stage, but yet differ considei-ably from the adult. Two of the forms {spasmse
and talpx) described as distinct species, and lately placed in two difPerent
genera, are immature and adult examples of the same species. Mr. Harwood,
two specimens of Micruriila rnelanocephala taken near Bishop's Stortford by
sweeping in the evening, which he believed to be var. hrunnea, Heer. Also two
specimens of Ocyptis cyancus taken by Mr. W. H. Harwood at Colchester, one in
May and the other in June of tliis year, the first specimens taken in the district
for nineteen years. Also a species of Coccinella taken in a case of Tasmanian
apples at Colchester. Mr. H. Eltringham, specimens of African Acrxas, to show
that wide differences of colour and pattern may occur in a single species, and
conversely, that certain species which can scarcely be distinguished by their
oxitward appearance are nevertheless very distinct, as shown by the sti'ucture of
the male armature. Several new species and forms were also shown, including
A. lofua, Eltr., S and 9, A. grosvenori, Eltr., ^ , A. aureola, Eltr., g , A. ella,
Eltr., (? , A. cinerea subsp. alberta, Eltr., S , A. periphanes f. acritoides, Eltr., J,
andj4. astrigerai. brunnea, 'Eltr., S find 9. Dr. Jordan remarked on the extreme
variability of the genus and its allies, geographically, individually, and even in
the characters of the genitalia. Mr. Bethune-Baker remarked on the
imreliability of the genitalia in certain Lycaenidse. The President stated that
the (? genitalia were, as a rule, reliable in the Aculeata, but in the Tenthredin-
idse the J genitalia were quite useless for specific determination, though the
9 s afford excellent characters. The Hon. Walter Rothschild remarked on the
identity of the S genitalia in certain distinct species of Macroglossinss. Com.
Walker read a paper on " The Effect of Temperature on Animal (especially In-
sect) Life," by A. G. Butler, Ph.D., F.L.S. The following papers were also
communicated — " Parthenogenesis iUjWorker Ants, with special reference to two
colonies of Lashis niger, Linn.," by W. C. Crawley, B.A. ; A Monograph of the
genus Acrsea," by H. Eltringham, M.A., F.Z.S. — G. Wheeler, Hon. Sec.
* This is variety honalix, and is a common Scotch form.— G. T. P.
END OF VOL. XXII (Second Series).
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C U N i
Two Coleoptera new to Science. — Norman R,
Coleoptera in Herefordshire (IV). — J. R- le P. ^
Notea on the British species of Longitarsus, Latr
(continued).— J. R. le B. Tomlin, 31. A., F.E.S., am.
An unrecorded variety of Bryaxis impressa, Panz. — J. Col
A note on Liodes brunnea, Sturm. — Norman H. Joy, M.R.t,.
Gnorimus nobilis, L., &c., in Epping Forest. — F. B. Jennings, i
Note on the Hylobiid genera Dysmachus, Kirsch, and Irenarlnus, Jr'ascL
&. C. Champion, F.Z.S • 276
New Scottish forms of Erebia sethiops, Esp., Satyrus semele, L., and Pararge
megfera, Ij. — Eds 277
G-racilaria syringella, F., mining in Phillyrea media, L. — Alfred Sick, F.F.S. 277
Notes on Oxford Hemiptera. — J. Collins 278
Reviews. — The Genitalia of the group Noctuidse of the Lepidoptera of the
British Islands. By F. N. Pierce, F.E.S 278
Our Insect Friends and Foes. By P. Martin Duncan, F.R.P.S. 278
Obituakt.— Samuel Hubbard Scudder, Hon. F.E.S 279
Societies. — Yorkshire Naturalists' Union, Entomological Section 279'
South London Entomological Society 281
Entomological Society of London 282
Title-Page, Index, &c... i — xviii
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